Hundreds rally outside Al-Maashiq Palace in Aden amid rising Saudi-UAE tensions

ADEN, Feb. 28 (YPA) –  Hundreds of demonstrators supporting the dissolved Southern Transitional Council (STC) gathered Friday evening outside the gates of Al-Maashiq Palace, the residence of the Saudi-backed government in Aden, in a move underscoring mounting tensions between factions aligned with Abu Dhabi and Riyadh.

The demonstrators raised slogans demanding the government’s immediate departure , expressing deep anger over the “policy of marginalization” targeting leaders of the STC in Riyadh.

Participants denounced the continued detention and reported house arrest of those leaders in the Saudi capital since early January, describing the measures as a blatant violation of the rights of residents in the southern provinces.

Protesters also condemned what they said were abuses committed last week by Saudi-backed  forces, including units known as “Dera Al-Watan” forces and the “Al-Amaliqa Brigades,” against protesters.

According to participants, one person was killed and nearly 20 others were wounded when live ammunition was fired at a previous peaceful march outside the palace gates.

Demonstrators denounced the continued detention and reported house arrest of senior STC figures in the Saudi capital since early January, calling the measures a “blatant violation” against representatives of the southern provinces.

Participants said that these crimes “will not go unanswered,” calling for an international investigation and accountability for those who ordered live fire against protesters in Aden, as well as for recruitment activities in Hadramout.

Demonstrators also held a banner featuring US President Donald Trump, with a message in Arabic and English urging intervention to “save them from terrorism,” amid claims that Saudi Arabia continues to send military reinforcements to Aden.

@E.Y.M