UAE-backed STC declares state of emergency in southern Yemen

ADEN, Sept. 16 (YPA) – Aidarus al-Zoubaidi , the head of the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC)’s militia has declared a state of emergency in all provinces under his militia’s control in southern Yemen.

The move came during a meeting for the leaders of the STC  held on Wednesday evening.

Al-Zubaidi called on security forces to “protect and secure protests in Mansoura directorate and protect public and private interests.

“The elements seeking to derail these legitimate protests and distort their demands should not be tolerated , stressing the importance of strict legal dealing with such elements”, he claimed.

Several the main streets and roads were blocked due to angry protests that broke out in Sheikh Othman district.

According to sources in the city, hundreds of the protesters closed the May 22 Stadium Corner, in protest against the deteriorating living conditions and basic services such as electricity, water and oil derivatives for the third straight day.

The sources stated that the  STC’s militia deployed dozens of armored vehicles in the area.

According to the sources, the protesters set fire on tires and suspend traffic, calling for improving economic conditions as a result of the collapse of the local currency.

The protesters called on the coalition forces and the (STC)’s militia to leave the city of Aden and the rest of the southern provinces.

E.M