The internationally recognized government’s Presidential Leadership Council of Yemen decided to expel Aidrous Al-Zubaidi from his position as vice chairman and member of the council, refer him to the Attorney General on charges of high treason, harming the political and economic standing of Yemen, obstructing state efforts to confront the Houthi coup, and inciting internal strife.
In an emergency meeting chaired by Chairman Rashad Al-Alimi, held in Riyadh on Wednesday the council also approved the dismissal of Minister of Transport Abdulsalam Hamid and Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Waed Badhib, referring both for investigation.
The meeting was attended by the council’s members Sultan Al-Aradah, Tariq Saleh, Abdulrahman Al-Mahrami, Dr. Abdullah Al-Alimi, and Othman Majali.
According to the Yemeni News Agency (SABA), the meeting reviewed the developments following a statement from the Joint Forces Command of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen, which highlighted a serious escalation by some rebel leaders and their obstruction of de-escalation efforts.
The council was briefed on the consequences of one member’s failure to respond to an invitation from Saudi Arabia, as well as unilateral actions and movements that clearly deviated from the agreed framework for the transitional phase, undermining efforts to protect civilians and prevent the spread of violence.
It further ordered the pursuit and arrest of individuals involved in distributing weapons and threatening civil peace, ensuring they face justice.
The PLC reaffirmed that unity in military and security decision-making and respect for the chain of command are inviolable principles, stressing that any serious breach of these duties will be met with accountability under the constitution and the law.
Accordingly, the council approved a series of urgent measures, including instructing the relevant authorities to take all necessary steps to protect civilians and public facilities in the interim capital, Aden, and the liberated governorates, unify command and control over all military and security formations, and prevent any movements or mobilizations outside the framework of the state.
The council expressed its gratitude for Saudi Arabia's efforts and the leadership of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen in de-escalating tensions, protecting civilians, maintaining security and stability, and preventing a return to internal conflict. It underscored the state’s commitment to implementing its sovereign decisions and upholding its legal authority.
The council commended the national stance of the people of Aden and the liberated governorates in defending the republican system and legitimate state institutions during this critical stage. It renewed its call for citizens to cooperate with security and military agencies fully and report any actions or movements that could disrupt security or endanger civilian lives.