STC forces besieges minister of defense inside Aden Maashiq Palace

ADEN, April 15 (YPA) – Dozens of recruits affiliated with the “dissolved” Southern Transitional Council (STC) staged a protest on Wednesday, imposing a tight siege on the residence of the defense minister in the pro-Saudi Aden government, Taher al-Aqili, inside Maashiq Palace in Aden.

Local sources said dozens of dismissed soldiers from the Barshid Brigade blocked the palace gate during a demonstration over unpaid salaries for four consecutive months, searching surrounding areas and raising banners demanding their financial dues.

The protesters accused the Saudi-backed “Special Committee” of suspending their salaries, while alleging discrimination by al-Aqili, pointing to the continued payment of other units.

Tensions escalated with the participation of additional recruits, amid warnings of potential clashes with palace guards from pro-Saudi factions.

The unrest follows recent decisions to dismiss hundreds of personnel from southern provinces, a move that has fueled growing discontent among the ranks.

AA