Yemen separatist leader accused of treason as Saudis strike forces

The presidency also expels Aidarous al-Zubaidi, head of the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council, after he fails to fly to Riyadh for talks.

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Six other members of the presidency accused Aidarous al-Zubaidi, head of the United Arab Emirates-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC), of "undermining the independence of the republic".

A Saudi-led military coalition said Zubaidi "fled" after not joining STC officials on a flight from Aden and "moved a large force" to al-Dahle province. Coalition aircraft launched strikes on the forces in response, it added.

The STC said the strikes, which reportedly killed four people, were "unjustified" and that Zubaidi was still in Aden.

It also expressed concern that contact had been lost with the group's delegation in Riyadh.