A Saudi-led military coalition said Zubaidi "fled" after not joining STC officials on a flight from Aden and "moved a large force" to al-Dahle province. Coalition aircraft launched strikes on the forces in response, it added.

Southern Transitional Council chief Aidarous al-Zubaidi didn't board plane to Saudi Arabia with other official for talks, now said to have 'fled to an unknown location'

The separatists of the Southern Transitional Council announced the adoption of a constitution paving the way for an independent state, a move that reignites military and political tensions in the country.

Recent Saudi airstrikes against UAE-aligned separatists have escalated tensions in southern Yemen. With Saudi Arabia and the UAE backing opposing factions, a return to fighting would most benefit the Houthis.

The announcement by the UAE-backed separatist group follows major escalations with Saudi Arabia and the internationally-recognized government.

For too long, Yemen’s conflict has been viewed through the lens of northern power struggles and international diplomacy, but the current situation clearly points south. The resurgence of Southern Yemen as a key political and security player isn’t just a fleeting moment in a fragmented war;

Saudi Arabia on Thursday called on Emirati-backed separatists in southern Yemen to withdraw from two governorates they now control, a move that has threatened to