By Mohamed Abdi - Reporter
Somalia, 11 January 2026 — The Somali government has banned the aircraft allegedly involved in Yemeni separatist Aidarous Al-Zubaidi’s travel from Somaliland's Berbera to Mogadishu and onwards to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
In an interview with Al-Jazeera, on Saturday evening Somalia’s Defence Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, described the ban as part of precautionary measures taken to ensure the investigations launched by the government on Al-Zubaidi’s movement remain transparent.
The leader of UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council fighting for the separation and autonomy of southern Yemen was reported to have fled the country to UAE via Somalia last week.
Al-Zubaidi allegedly exited Yemen by sea, reached the port of Berbera, and later boarded a flight from Mogadishu International Airport to UAE.
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The Somali government, which supports the Saudi-led coalition forces in Yemen, had earlier announced the formation of a special investigative committee to handle the matter after reports emerged that Al-Zubaidi had fled the Middle East country.
"We want to clearly establish whether Mogadishu’s airport was used, and if it is confirmed, strict measures will be taken against those involved," said Minister Fiqi.
The Somali Immigration and Citizenship Authority (ICA) confirmed Thursday that they are working with national security officials to verify allegations that Al-Zubaidi passed through Somali territory to UAE.
