Saudi-led coalition Yemen strikes 2026: Escalation as STC leader flees peace talks
On Jan 7, 2026, the Saudi-led coalition struck Yemen's Dali governorate after STC leader al-Zubaidi fled peace talks. Pre-emptive strikes were launched to stop troop mobilization.
A flight to Riyadh was left empty, but the skies over southern Yemen are now filled with fire. The Saudi-led coalition launched targeted air strikes on the Dali governorate early Wednesday, following the mysterious disappearance of a top separatist leader who was supposed to attend peace negotiations.
Saudi-led coalition Yemen strikes 2026: The Failed Peace Accord
The coalition's offensive targets the Southern Transitional Council (STC) after its leader, Aidarous al-Zubaidi, failed to board a scheduled flight to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday night. Instead of seeking a resolution to the conflict with the internationally recognized government, al-Zubaidi reportedly fled to an unknown location and mobilized a significant force in Dali.
Intelligence reports suggested that al-Zubaidi had amassed armored vehicles and heavy weaponry. In response, the coalition conducted 'pre-emptive strikes' at 4:00am local time to thwart what it called an attempt to escalate the conflict. This marks a significant breakdown in relations between former allies who were unified against Houthi rebels.
A Proxy War Within a Civil War
The STC, which receives backing from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), had recently seized control of Hadramout and Mahra provinces—regions that constitute nearly half of Yemen's territory. While the government troops managed to reclaim those areas, tensions remain high. The UAE has denied allegations of illicit weapon shipments, further straining the relationship between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi.
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