Aden (South24 Center)

Local sources and South24 Center’s correspondent reported that airstrikes launched by Saudi warplanes at dawn on Wednesday (Jan 7) in Dhalea governorate of South Yemen resulted in deaths and injuries among civilians, including women and children.

The correspondent stated that Saudi fighter jets carried out more than 50 airstrikes – firing missiles and bombs -- from early morning hours until the time of writing this report.

The airstrikes targeted positions of the Southern Government Forces as well as populated residential areas.

#BREAKING

Video: Giants Forces and Security Belt Forces continue their deployment to secure vital sites and streets in Aden, reassuring citizens that the situation is stable#south24 pic.twitter.com/aWsDTfoqR9

— South24 | English (@South24E) January 7, 2026

The South24 correspondent stated that the strikes coincided with the Fajr (dawn) prayer time, with some strikes targeting the Zubaid area, the birthplace of Southern Transitional Council (STC) President Aidrous Al-Zubaidi. The Saudi warplanes later renewed strikes in Naqil Rabd and other areas in the governorate. 

The correspondent noted that five civilians were killed and seven others injured as a result of the Saudi airstrikes. He added that the final death toll is not yet definitively known due to difficulties facing the ambulance teams and residents in reaching some of the targeted areas.

The spokesperson for the Saudi Ministry of Defense, Turki al-Maliki, confirmed that Saudi warplanes were conducting airstrikes on Dhalea, stating that they were targeting military equipment.

He claimed that the airstrikes were intended to foil what he described as the objectives of Major General Aidrous Qassem Al-Zubaidi, President of the Southern Transitional Council (STC).

On his part, the spokesperson for the Dhalea Front and Axis said that the Southern Government Forces remain steadfast in their positions, emphasizing that recent developments will not affect their readiness or combat capability in confronting the Houthi group, and called on fighters to ignore rumors.

Politically, the Southern Transitional Council (STC) condemned the Saudi airstrikes, describing them as an “unfortunate escalation that is inconsistent with the announced climate of dialogue,” and demanded that Riyadh immediately cease the airstrikes. 

In a statement, the Council expressed concern over the inability to communicate with its delegation in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, since their arrival Tuesday night, demanding guarantees for their safety and immediate access to communication. 

The STC reaffirmed its commitment to engaging positively with political initiatives, noting that a delegation led by the Council’s Secretary-General, Abdulrahman Shaher Al-Subaihi, and several members of the Presidium, had traveled to Riyadh to participate in a conference regarding the cause of the people of the South.

The Vice President of the STC, Hani Bin Breik, stated on the "X" platform: "Saudi Arabia has chosen the path of treachery and betrayal, and treachery and betrayal have their immediate and long-term consequences." 

He also stated that President Aidrous Al-Zubaidi is continuing his duties from the capital, Aden, in addition to his direct supervision of the work of military, security, and civil institutions.

In contrast, the official Yemen News Agency (Saba) reported that the President of the Presidential Leadership Council, Rashad Muhammad Al-Alimi, residing in Riyadh, has issued a decree stripping Al-Zubaidi of his membership in the Presidential Council, accusing him of “high treason.” 

The agency also reported Al-Alimi's decision to dismiss the Ministers of Transport and Planning and International Cooperation, referring them for investigation.

In a related context, the South24 Center correspondent in Shabwa governorate reported that three soldiers were killed and seven others injured after an IED targeted a vehicle belonging to the Southern Giants Forces west of the city of Ataq. No further details have been received so far regarding this security incident.