Clashes erupt in Aden between Saudi-backed forces, STC supporters

ADEN, Feb. 20 (YPA) -Aden witnessed its first wave of confrontations on Thursday between supporters of the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) and  Saudi-backed factions, which currently holds control over the southern city.

According to reports from Aden, large crowds of STC supporters gathered outside the eastern gate of Al-Maashiq Palace.

The rally followed a call issued by the STC last Tuesday evening urging supporters to stage a protest demanding the departure of the Saudi-backed government from Aden.

Earlier this week, Riyadh facilitated the return of the government headed by Shaya Al-Zindani to Aden, a move that angered the STC. The council had previously been dissolved on January 9 in Riyadh.

Local human rights sources in Aden said forces assigned to protect the government headquarters and the Presidential Leadership Council at Al-Maashiq Palace opened heavy fire on demonstrators backing the STC. One protester was killed and four others were wounded, some critically, according to the sources.

The sources added that STC field leaders in Aden vowed to escalate anti-Saudi mobilization following Thursday’s deadly events. Despite tightened security measures, supporters continued to gather near the palace gate.

Local sources also reported that the Saudi-backed “Dera Al-Watan” factions dispatched additional reinforcements to Aden amid concerns that the clashes could widen.

Although media and political tensions between Saudi-backed and UAE-aligned factions have persisted since Emirati-backed forces were pushed out of parts of southern and eastern Yemen, the confrontation at Al-Maashiq Palace marks a new phase in the rivalry between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi in Aden.

Observers say Saudi Arabia has not taken a decisive stance toward UAE-backed groups in Yemen, raising the possibility of further confrontations in the region.

@E.Y.M