Saudi-backed forces crack down on STC protests in Aden

ADEN, Jan. 16 (YPA) -The city of Aden and several neighboring governorates witnessed heightened security alert and military tensions on Friday following a crackdown on a popular demonstration called for by the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC), which had been dissolved by Saudi Arabia. The crackdown was carried out by Saudi-backed forces, supported by factions of the Giants ( Al-Amaliqa)  Brigades.

Human rights and media sources reported that members of the Saudi-backed “Dera Al-Watan” Forces opened direct fire on supporters of STC President Aidarous al-Zubaidi at several military checkpoints surrounding Al-Oroudh Square in the Khormaksar district, in an attempt to prevent them from reaching the  Square of the demonstration.

In a related development, Al-Husseini Bridge in the Al-Anad area of Lahj governorate witnessed a significant escalation on the ground, as the Saudi-backed Forces, supported by elements of  Al-Amaliqa Brigades, failed to block the main road against crowds advancing toward Al-Oroudh Square in Aden.

Field sources said the forces set up roadblocks along main routes to prevent  the crowds and obstruct the arrival of demonstrators coming from Lahj districts to Aden.

On the military front, Saudi Arabia deployed large military reinforcements of the “Dera Al-Watan” forces coming from Hadramout to Aden on Friday, as part of efforts to impose full control over the city and in anticipation of a possible escalation on the ground, particularly after a week had passed since STC President Aidarous al-Zubaidi and several senior leaders departed for the United Arab Emirates.

Aden remains under increasing security alert amid continued calls for mass mobilization and popular escalation against Saudi-backed forces, placing the city in a highly volatile situation that could lead to new developments on the ground against the ” Dera Al-Watan” Forces.

@E.Y.M