The Saudi-backed presidential council in Yemen expelled the leader of a separatist group and charged him with treason after he failed to travel to Riyadh for talks. The council, comprised of six other members of the presidency, accused Aidarous al-Zubaidi, head of the United Arab Emirates-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC), of "undermining the independence of the republic," according to reports.

The Saudi-led military coalition stated that Zubaidi "fled" after not joining STC officials on a flight from Aden and subsequently "moved a large force" to al-Dahle province. In response, coalition aircraft launched strikes on these forces, the coalition added. The STC condemned the strikes as "unjustified," reporting that they resulted in four deaths. The STC also stated that Zubaidi remained in Aden and expressed concern over a loss of contact with their delegation in Riyadh.

The Southern Transitional Council seeks independence for south Yemen. The recent events highlight escalating tensions in the region, with Saudi Arabia calling for Yemeni factions to attend a "dialogue" in Riyadh. These developments follow reports of the United Arab Emirates' intention to withdraw from Yemen after a Saudi strike on a separatist-held port. The past few weeks have seen southern Yemen moving towards instability.