Yemeni government forces have secured control over key strategic sites in the southern city of Aden as part of a military operation dubbed “Operation Restore Hope,” in a major development that has reshaped the balance of power in the city and coincided with the launch of legal proceedings against Southern Transitional Council leader Aidarous al-Zubaidi.
Airport and Presidential Palace Secured
Field sources said Homeland Shield forces, backed directly by Saudi Arabia and operating in coordination with the Giants Brigades, took control of the runway and control tower at Aden International Airport at exactly 10:00 a.m. local time.
The operation reportedly faced little resistance following sudden withdrawal orders issued to some Southern Transitional Council-affiliated factions.
Authorities also confirmed that the perimeter of the Maasheeq Presidential Palace has been fully secured. The Yemeni government said it will resume official duties from inside the palace starting tomorrow morning under the new security arrangements.
Intelligence Details Zubaidi’s Departure
At the same time, intelligence reports attributed to sources close to the Saudi-led coalition outlined the route taken by Aidarous al-Zubaidi as he left the country.
According to the reports, al-Zubaidi departed from the coast of Abyan province at dawn aboard high-speed smuggling boats, before arriving at the port of Berbera in Somaliland, where a private security team was awaiting him.
The reports added that an unmarked Il-76 cargo aircraft later took off from Berbera Airport, flew eastward across the Gulf of Aden, and landed at Al-Rafah Military Base in Abu Dhabi at 4:15 p.m.
Presidential Council Escalates Legal Measures
Politically, Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council issued a strongly worded statement announcing:
- The revocation of al-Zubaidi’s membership and removal of all his powers as vice president of the council.
- Formal charges of high treason, citing alleged collusion with foreign entities to undermine national unity and armed rebellion against the internationally recognized government.
- Instructions to the Central Bank of Yemen in Aden to freeze all bank accounts linked to al-Zubaidi and senior figures who left the country with him.
Heightened Security Measures in Aden
On the ground, authorities imposed a night-time curfew across Aden from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Joint patrols from Homeland Shield forces have been deployed across Crater, Khormaksar, and Al-Mansoura districts, with ongoing identity checks at the city’s main entry points.
The developments mark a new phase in Yemen’s political and security landscape, with significant implications for governance and stability in the south.
