The coalition reveals details of Al-Zubaidi's escape from Aden via Somali territory
Informed sources, citing the Arab Coalition, revealed detailed information about the departure of the head of the Southern Transitional Council, Aidarus al-Zubaidi, from the interim capital, Aden. They indicated an unconventional route that included passage through Somaliland before his final destination in the Emirati capital, Abu Dhabi. This news comes at a time when the Yemeni conflict is experiencing complex political and military developments, making the movements of influential figures in the southern arena all the more significant.
Strategic route: From Aden to the Horn of Africa
According to available information, the transfer was not a typical direct flight, but rather included a strategic transit stop in Somaliland. Analysts suggest that choosing this route reflects a high level of security and logistical coordination, given the geographical proximity between Aden and the Somali coast across the Gulf of Aden. The UAE maintains close ties with the (internationally unrecognized) Republic of Somaliland, where it invests in the strategic port of Berbera, making it a secure and reliable base for such sensitive movements.
The political context and tensions in the south
This event cannot be viewed in isolation from the tense political context prevailing in Yemen's southern provinces. The Southern Transitional Council, headed by al-Zubaidi, is a key player in the power struggle in Aden and neighboring provinces, and the departure of its leaders often coincides with major political milestones or rounds of negotiations sponsored by Saudi Arabia to bridge the gap between the legitimate government and the Transitional Council, particularly regarding the implementation of the Riyadh Agreement.
Regional role and impact of the alliance
This revelation highlights the role of the Saudi-led Arab Coalition, with the active participation of the UAE, in managing the complex Yemeni landscape. Securing and controlling these flights underscores the Coalition's firm grip on military and security matters and its ongoing efforts to coordinate field operations to serve the goals of restoring the state and maintaining regional security. It also underscores the geopolitical importance of the Horn of Africa as a strategic depth for Arab and Gulf national security, and its direct impact on the course of events in Yemen.
The repercussions of the event and the future of the settlement
Al-Zubaidi's arrival in Abu Dhabi, and the manner in which he traveled, are expected to have political implications that will become clearer in the coming days, both in terms of restructuring the internal affairs of the Southern Transitional Council and in relation to the ongoing consultations to end the conflict in Yemen. The situation remains open to all possibilities amidst international and regional efforts to push for a comprehensive political solution to end the years-long war.
