STC prepares mass rally in Aden amid rising tensions, security restrictions

ADEN, May 04 (YPA) – Attention is focused on a major mass rally called for by leaders of the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC), scheduled for Monday at Al-Arous Square in central Aden, southern Yemen, amid a tense political and security environment.

Hundreds of STC supporters have arrived in Aden since Saturday to take part in the event, which marks the ninth anniversary of the council’s establishment in 2017, as well as what its leadership describes as an attempt to “renew the mandate” of its chairman, Aidarous al-Zubaidi, whose whereabouts have remained unclear since he left Aden in January.

In recent hours, the city has witnessed rising tensions, following reports of pro-Saudi forces removing and tearing down images of al-Zubaidi and STC symbols in several streets, alongside a heightened security and military presence amid growing instability.

Reports suggest that the pro-Saudi Dera al-Watan forces may move to close major roads and block participants arriving from the southern provinces of Lahj, Abyan, and Dhalea starting early Monday morning, in line with earlier warnings issued in recent days.

These developments come as uncertainty continues over the fate of al-Zubaidi since his reported refusal to travel to Riyadh, alongside unconfirmed reports of strikes near his area in Dhalea during previous months.

The event also coincides with a series of Saudi measures described as escalatory, including the closure of STC offices, placing some of its leaders under restricted conditions in Riyadh, restructuring affiliated armed factions, and withdrawing heavy weaponry, as well as issuing arrest warrants against several prominent figures—steps viewed by observers as part of broader efforts to reshape the political and military landscape in southern Yemen.

AA