The Saudi-led coalition backing Yemen’s legitimate government confirmed Southern Transitional Council (STC) leader Aidarus Al-Zubaidi fled Aden for Somaliland early on Wednesday. The coalition added that its forces tracked his vessel departing Aden’s port after midnight under UAE operational oversight. The ship deliberately disabled its identification system en route to Berbera, arriving around midday. Al-Zubaidi then coordinated directly with UAE Major General Awad Saeed Al-Ahbabi, commander of Joint Operations.
Consequently, an Ilyushin Il-76 military aircraft, prepositioned in Somaliland, awaited al-Zubaidi without filing a flight plan, with Emirati officers supervising his boarding before the plane lifted off secretly. Flight data revealed the aircraft landed in Mogadishu at 3:15 p.m., lingered for one hour, then headed toward the Arabian Gulf. Crucially, its transponder switched off over the Gulf of Oman, reactivating only minutes before touching down at Abu Dhabi’s Al-Rif Air Base at 8:47 p.m. Saudi time.
Suspicious Vessel and Weapons Links Emerge
Moreover, coalition intelligence identified the escape ship, BAMEDHAF, as flying Saint Kitts and Nevis’ flag, a tactic matching prior UAE arms shipments from Fujairah to Mukalla, as investigators noted this aircraft routinely services conflict zones like Libya, Ethiopia, and Somalia.
Meanwhile, Saudi forces urgently seek former Aden governor Ahmed Hamed Lamlas and Security Belt Forces commander Mohsen Al-Wali. Both officials lost contact immediately after meeting Al-Zubaidi pre-departure.
The coalition vows to pursue all leads regarding this breach of Yemeni sovereignty, reaffirming commitment to exposing foreign interference undermining Yemen’s stability and legitimate institutions. Further updates will follow as evidence emerges.
