Saudi-Led Coalition Confirms Strikes in Yemen’s Al-Dhale

(MENAFN) Early Wednesday, the Saudi-led coalition backing Yemen’s internationally recognized administration announced that it had conducted airstrikes in the southern Al-Dhale governorate, alleging that Southern Transitional Council (STC) chief Aidarous al-Zubaidi failed to board a flight intended to take him to Saudi Arabia.

“Following coordination with the legitimate government and National Shield Forces, the Coalition Forces conducted a limited preemptive strike at (0400) to disable those forces and thwart what Aidarous al-Zubaidi was aiming to accomplish, conflict escalation and spread into Al-Dhale Governorate,” coalition spokesperson Maj. Gen. Turki Al-Malki said in a statement.

The statement explained that al-Zubaidi had been directed on Sunday to travel to Saudi Arabia within 48 hours to meet with Presidential Leadership Council Chairman Rashad al-Alimi and coalition representatives to discuss assaults carried out by STC-linked forces in Hadhramaut and Al-Mahrah.

Although al-Zubaidi later signaled his willingness to join talks on Tuesday, he failed to board a Yemenia Airways flight from Aden after the departure was delayed for several hours.

“During this time, information was made available to the legitimate government and the coalition that Aidarous al-Zubaidi has mobilized a large military force, including armored and combat vehicles, heavy and light weapons and munitions,” Al-Malki added.

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