Saudi-backed forces launch arrest campaign against STC supporters in Mukalla

HADRAMOUT, April. 04 (YPA) – The Saudi-backed forces have blocked most of the main roads and streets in Mukalla, amidst a widespread arrest campaign targeting many supporters of the “dissolved” Southern Transitional Council (STC).

Forces loyal to Saudi Arabia, comprised of the extremist Salafist factions “Homeland Shield” and reinforced by “Emergency” forces, blocked the bridge connecting Mukalla and the Sharj area with armored vehicles and military equipment, amidst a heavy military deployment in the city’s streets.

It should be noted that the aim of blocking the streets is to limit a pro-STC demonstration, which is affiliated with the UAE, and to close all routes to participants from the coastal area, preventing them from reaching the roundabout this afternoon.

In addition, the Saudi-backed Hadramout Tribal Alliance deployed dozens of armed men to Mukalla from the Nahab camp to reinforce factions in the city and curb any movements or riots by supporters of the Southern Transitional Council.

It is worth noting that the call for the mass rally by the “dissolved” Southern Transitional Council was to demand the release of the abductees and to defy the Saudi-backed authorities’ ban on demonstrations or gatherings without official permission.