Southern separatist leader Aidarus al-Zubaidi has been thrust into the spotlight in Yemen over the past two months. After a series of setbacks to his forces, he is now being accused by his Saudi rivals of fleeing to the United Arab Emirates. 

Zubaidi, 58, who heads the secessionist Southern Transitional Council, announced a "transitional phase" earlier this month aimed at ultimately achieving independence for southern Yemen. The declaration followed the STC's capture of large swaths of central and eastern Yemen starting in December. But on Thursday, the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen alleged he fled to the UAE after the STC suffered a number of losses at the hands of government forces. 

Who is Zubaidi? 

Zubaidi is a longtime supporter of southern independence whose career mirrors the ups and downs of the secessionist movement. He has headed the STC since the organization was established in 2017. He served as a member of the Presidential Leadership Council, which leads the internationally recognized government, from 2022 until Wednesday, when the body removed him, accusing him of treason.