Somalia’s Immigration and Citizenship Agency (ICA) announced an investigation into the alleged unauthorized use of Somali airspace by Aydar al-Zubaidi, leader of the Southern Transitional Council.

In a statement on Thursday, January 8, 2026, the ICA said it is coordinating with authorities in other countries to ensure that Somali airspace and airports are not used to facilitate travel in violation of national laws.

Reuters reported that Zubaidi travelled by boat to Berbera and subsequently flew via Mogadishu to Abu Dhabi. The Saudi-led coalition in Yemen stated that the separatist leader fled to the United Arab Emirates via Somaliland while scheduled to attend peace talks in Riyadh, accusing the UAE of assisting his departure.

Somalia’s government has not publicly commented on Zubaidi’s transit through Somaliland. The ICA warned that if it is confirmed he left via Mogadishu airspace, the actions would constitute a serious breach of Somali sovereignty and immigration regulations.