Saudi forces heavy deployment in Mukalla ahead of anticipated STC protests

HADRAMOUT, July 21 (YPA) – Saudi forces deployed heavily on Tuesday across the city of Mukalla in Hadramout Governorate eastern Yemen, setting up strict military checkpoints and security measures to curb anticipated protests calling for an end to Saudi guardianship.

The preemptive moves aim to secure control over the situation ahead of a demonstration called for by the “dissolved” UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) at Khor Al-Mukalla Square. The planned rally comes as part of escalatory steps against the collapse of basic services and to demand an end to political dependency and external oversight.

Key commercial and residential neighborhoods—particularly the Al-Sharj district—witnessed an intense presence of armored vehicles, troops, and mobile patrols verifying citizens’ identification documents. Security forces also imposed a strict military cordon around all access routes leading to Khor Al-Mukalla Square to prevent entry, alongside establishing new checkpoints across various city districts and entry points.

YPA