UAE-backed STC stages protests against Saudi influence in Yemen south

ADEN, July 12 (YPA) – Tents of supporters of the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) organized on Sunday a series of protest rallies across several southern Yemeni cities, expressing opposition to the Saudi tutelage and its terrorist proxies.

In Mukalla, the capital of Hadramout governorate, demonstrators protested the transfer of 25 detainees from the city’s central prison to detention facilities at Al-Rayyan Airport, amid reports they could be flown to Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh.

Participants voiced concern over the move, describing it as a serious violation of the rights of detainees and forcibly disappeared persons.

Meanwhile, large marches took place in parts of Abyan and Dhalea provinces, where protesters carried banners condemning the Saudi presence and accused Riyadh of backing local groups allegedly involved in assassinations and attacks targeting political and military leaders over recent years.

The demonstrators called for an end to Saudi occupation and guardianship, rejecting what they said were Saudi efforts to consolidate control over the region by restoring the Islah Party and pursuing policies of economic deprivation and crisis management in public services.

The protests come amid growing tensions in areas under Saudi influence following the dissolution of the STC in early January.

AA