Yemen’s separatist leader vanishes as Swiss nationals remain trapped on Socotra
Tensions in southern Yemen have escalated after the leader of the South Yemeni separatist movement, Aidarous al-Zubaidi, vanished ahead of planned talks in Riyadh. Reports suggest he fled by sea from Aden to Abu Dhabi, deepening the conflict with Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, Swiss nationals remain stranded on Socotra Island as renewed airstrikes disrupt flights out of the region.
Al-Zubaidi, head of the Southern Transitional Council (STC), was expected in Saudi Arabia for negotiations. Instead, he reportedly left Yemen by boat, heading to the UAE capital. His disappearance has further strained relations with Riyadh, which backs the Yemeni government against the separatists.
The Swiss FDFA confirmed that citizens are stuck on Socotra after commercial flights were cancelled due to Saudi-led airstrikes. Authorities have ruled out an official evacuation, citing the principle of personal responsibility. The Swiss Embassy in Riyadh remains in contact with those affected but will only intervene if individuals cannot leave independently. Swiss officials have warned that travelling to Yemen against government advisories is considered 'negligent'. The FDFA emphasised that citizens must take responsibility for their own safety in high-risk areas.
The situation leaves Swiss nationals facing uncertainty on Socotra, with no state-organised exit route. Al-Zubaidi’s flight to Abu Dhabi adds another layer of instability in Yemen’s ongoing conflict. Saudi Arabia’s airstrikes continue to disrupt travel, leaving foreign nationals to arrange their own departures.
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