- Presidential council also sacks two ministers, orders investigation into weapons distribution

WASHINGTON 

The head of Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council on Wednesday issued a decree dismissing Aidarous al-Zubaidi, the head of the Southern Transitional Council (STC), from the body over alleged high treason.

"The Presidential Leadership Council issued a decision today, Wednesday, to drop the membership of Aidarous al-Zubaidi in the council for committing high treason and to refer him to the Prosecutor General," said the decree signed by the council's chairman, Rashad al-Alimi.

It added that the country's attorney general would launch an investigation into the allegations.

The council also approved the dismissal of Transport Minister Abdul Salam Humaid and Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Waed Badhib and referred them for investigation.

In a statement, the council ordered the pursuit and arrest of those involved in the distribution of weapons and actions threatening civil peace.

“Those responsible would be brought to justice,” it said, emphasizing that authorities would “deal firmly with any violations in a manner that ensures respect for the rule of law and the protection of public rights and freedoms.”

“The unity of military and security decision-making and respect for the chain of command are non-negotiable pillars,” the council said, warning that any serious breach of these duties would subject those responsible to accountability in accordance with the constitution and the law.

The new developments came days after Yemeni government forces recaptured the eastern provinces of Hadhramaut and Al-Mahra from the STC forces. The two regions, which account for nearly half of Yemen’s territory, were seized by the STC fighters last month.

Last week, Saudi Arabia accused the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of pushing STC forces to carry out military operations along the kingdom’s southern border in Hadhramaut and Mahra. Abu Dhabi denied the accusation.

On Friday, Zubaidi announced a two-year “transitional phase” that would include dialogue with parties in southern Yemen and a “referendum” on the future of the south.

The STC says successive Yemeni governments have marginalized southern regions politically and economically and calls for secession. Yemeni authorities reject the claim and reaffirm their commitment to the country’s unity.