Leader of UAE-backed Yemen separatists 'flees' and is accused of treason

Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) has dismissed Aidarous al-Zubaidi, the leader of the UAE-backed separatist Southern Transitional Council (STC), and accused him of high treason. The move comes amid mounting instability and escalating violence by STC forces in the country's south, particularly in Hadhramaut and al-Mahra. Zubaidi was summoned to Riyadh by Saudi officials for talks but reportedly failed to appear, leading to accusations that he has "fled" to an unknown location. The STC denies these claims, stating its leader remains in Aden and continues his duties.