Saudi-led coalition forces launched intense airstrikes against positions held by the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) in Yemen’s Dhale province, following the ousting of STC leader Aidarous al-Zubaidi amid a political crisis in Riyadh. Reports indicate that at least four individuals were killed and dozens more injured as a result of the strikes.

Video footage broadcast on Arabic media captures repeated explosions and columns of smoke rising over the rugged hillsides of Dhale, illustrating the scale and intensity of the operation. The strikes targeted key STC locations, highlighting the growing tension between Saudi Arabia and its former allies in the decade-long coalition fighting the Houthi movement.

Aidarous al-Zubaidi reportedly fled Riyadh after being accused of treason during crisis talks, prompting the coalition’s military action. Analysts suggest that the strikes not only weaken anti-Houthi allies in southern Yemen but also signal a deepening rift between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates over influence and strategy within the coalition.

The escalation underscores the fragility of alliances in Yemen, where competing interests among external backers complicate the ongoing conflict against the Houthis. Local sources report widespread panic among civilians and extensive damage to infrastructure in the affected areas.

Observers note that the targeting of STC positions demonstrates the willingness of the Saudi-led coalition to assert authority over its allies while continuing to pursue the broader goal of countering Houthi control in the region. As the situation develops, attention will focus on both the humanitarian impact and the evolving geopolitical dynamics among coalition members.