Hadramout: Field tensions, protests rise in Mukalla following “Al-Khanbashi” decisions

HADRAMOUT, March 13 (YPA) – The city of Mukalla, the center of Hadramout governorate, is experiencing a wave of political and security unrest following angry demonstrations by the UAE-backed “Southern Transitional Council” (STC) supporters on Thursday evening.

The protests come in response to threats made by the Governor of Hadramout, Salem Al-Khanbashi, to shut down the Council’s headquarters and ban its activities and the display of its leaders’ images.

Protesters raised portraits of the STC’s leader “Aidarus al-Zoubaidi”, in the heart of Mukalla, defying ban orders issued immediately after Al-Khanbashi’s return from Riyadh.

This escalation coincides with intensive Saudi-led preparations for the return of Presidential Leadership Council head, Rashad Al-Alimi, to Hadramout for Eid prayers.

Observers warn that Al-Alimi’s return could serve as a “spark” for an explosion in an already volatile situation, amid mutual accusations of executing foreign agendas and inciting strife in the eastern province.

The political rift in the coastal districts of Hadramout threatens an imminent confrontation between STC-aligned forces and Riyadh-backed factions, placing the province’s stability at a critical crossroads.

YPA