STC organizes women’s protest demanding withdrawal of “Islah forces” from Sayoun

HADRAMOUT, Aug. 05 (YPA) – The UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) mobilized dozens of women on Tuesday to call for the removal of the “First Military Region” forces, affiliated with the Islah Party, from Sayoun, the administrative center of Hadramout province.

The women organized a protest in front of the government complex in Sayoun, demanding improved public services, reduced prices, and a dignified living standard. Alongside these demands, they urged the expulsion of Islah Party forces from the Hadramout valley and desert districts, following a wave of kidnappings targeting demonstrators in recent days.

In August 2022, Saudi forces had blocked STC factions from seizing Islah-affiliated camps in the Hadramout valley during an operation called “Siham Al-Sharq,” which came after STC succeeded in taking control of camps in the Shabwa and Abyan provinces in the same period.

Sayoun is witnessing a noticeable deployment of armed forces from the “First Military Region,” affiliated with the Islah party, around government institutions and main streets following the eruption of protests against the STC.

The organizing committee behind the demonstrations announced their continuation, condemning deteriorating services and living conditions while demanding the withdrawal of “First Military Region” forces. They have also criticized the Saudi-led coalition countries, deeming them responsible for the worsening situation in southern Yemen since 2016.

Meanwhile, protesters in Mukalla and cities along the Hadramout coast are calling for the dismissal of Governor Mabkhout bin Madi, improvement of public services, and an end to resource exploitation. In a related development, the “Hadramout Alliance Tribes,” backed by Saudi Arabia, is seeking to implement “autonomous governance” following its announcement through the establishment of the first brigade for the “Hadramout Protection Forces.”

YPA