Protests erupt at Saudi-run camp in Aden over unpaid salaries

ADEN, April 06 (YPA) – Dozens of recruits staged an angry protest inside a Saudi-controlled camp in Aden, chanting slogans against Saudi Arabia and expressing support for Aidarous al-Zubaidi, head of the “dissolved” Southern Transitional Council (STC).

Videos circulated on social media showed STC-affiliated recruits at Bir Ahmed camp chanting slogans  in Support of Aidarous al-Zubaidi as well as  slogans insulting Saudi Arabia, prompting members of a Saudi military committee to leave the camp abruptly.

Local sources said the protest was triggered by months of unpaid salaries, as well as new requirements imposed by Saudi authorities, including biometric registration measures such as fingerprint and eye scans.

Tensions remain high inside the camp, which hosts recruits brought in from various areas alongside Saudi-backed units, including factions of the military police, the sources added.

The protest by STC-affiliated recruits sent a strong message to Saudi forces, while also exposing deep-seated tensions within recently restructured and redeployed factions.

This comes in conjunction with the dismissal of around 600 recruits from the Barashid Brigade in Mukalla, all from Al-Dhalea, Yafa, and Radfan in Lahj.

@E.Y.M