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Expulsion of Aidarus al-Zubaidi from the Presidential Leadership Council, 2026
The STC leader was expelled from Yemen's power-sharing council and charged with treason amid a rupture between Saudi- and UAE-backed factions.
What happened
On 7 April 2022, Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council was formed as the executive body of the internationally recognized government; the STC held three of the Council's eight seats, and STC leader Aidarus al-Zubaidi became vice president.[1]
On 7 January 2026, the Presidential Leadership Council expelled al-Zubaidi and filed treason charges against him, amid tension between Saudi-backed and UAE-backed factions and disputes over STC military advances in Hadramout and Mahra governorates.[2]
Sources for this page
Each number marks a specific claim. Notes give the source, its locator and how it relates to the claim.
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1.
Claim: On 7 April 2022, Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council was formed as the executive body of the internationally recognized government, after President Hadi resigned and transferred his powers to the new body; the STC held three of the Council's eight seats, and STC leader Aidarus al-Zubaidi became vice president.
- Presidential Leadership Council (Wikipedia) link, Formation and STC representation sections. Source record
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2.
Claim: On 7 January 2026, Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council expelled STC leader Aidarus al-Zubaidi and filed treason charges against him, amid tension between Saudi-backed and UAE-backed factions and disputes over STC military advances in Hadramout and Mahra governorates; al-Zubaidi reportedly declined to travel to Saudi Arabia for talks and moved to an unknown location with an armed force. This bundle does not assess developments after this date.
- Yemen anti-Houthi council expels separatist leader as he faces treason charges (The Times of Israel) link, Expulsion and context sections. Source record