Residents of Lahj’s Al-Hawta protest against new security chief

LAHJ, July 02 (YPA) – Tribes and figures of Al-Hawta, the provincial capital of Lahj, called for mass protest the next Sunday against the province’s security director, Nasser Al-Shuhati, following his decision to replace the city’s security chief.

The call came after a large demonstration in Al-Hawta opposing the dismissal of former security director Awad Al-Shalan, who is affiliated with the Southern Transitional Council (STC), and the appointment of Abdul-Raqib Mohammed, a close associate of Al-Shuhati, as his successor.

According to local sources, soldiers stationed at the Rijal checkpoint south of Al-Hawta prevented a committee assigned to oversee the handover from entering the city, while protesters blocked major roads and streets.

The sources said dozens of residents demonstrated against Al-Shuhati’s decision, accusing him of attempting to impose the new appointment by force.

The city has witnessed growing armed tensions and public opposition to the appointment of Abdul-Raqib Mohammed.

Protesters claimed that Al-Shalan’s removal was linked to his participation in a recent demonstration organized by supporters of the STC.