Saudi-backed forces pursue STC official in Hadramout

HADRAMOUT, Sept. 02 (YPA) – Sources familiar with the matter said on Wednesday that Saudi-backed forces are pursuing Ali Al-Jafri, head of the Southern Transitional Council (STC) branch in Hadramout province, over alleged incitement to tear down pictures of Saudi rulers from the streets of Mukalla.

The sources said Emergency Forces intensified their field operations late Tuesday to track down Al-Jafri in Mukalla, adding that they raided several homes where they suspected he might be present.

According to the sources, armed personnel imposed a security cordon around several residential neighborhoods and homes in search of Al-Jafri, acting on instructions from Saudi-appointed Hadramout governor Salem Al-Khanbashi. The sources said he is accused of inciting the removal of pictures of Saudi rulers.

In a post on Facebook, Al-Jafri said he had been present for 24 hours in areas controlled by Saudi forces, in response to a military campaign involving eight military vehicles led by Salah Al-Mushajri since dawn on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Saudi-backed forces reportedly attempted to storm the home of Mahdi Saeed Al-Mohammadi, head of the STC’s local leadership in Mukalla.

The pursuit of Al-Jafri follows a popular demonstration held Tuesday in the square outside the governorate headquarters, where protesters called for an end to Saudi tutelage during an event marking what was described as “Army Day.”

The demonstration was reportedly met with an armed crackdown by Saudi-backed forces, leaving several participants injured in an attempt to disperse the protest.