Angry protests erupt in southern Yemen against Saudi occupation

ADEN, July 16 (YPA) – Angry protests erupted in Aden and other southern and eastern Yemeni provinces on Thursday, denouncing the Saudi policies of starvation and humiliation, as well as “Saudi tutelage.”

Thousands of protesters took to the streets in Aden, Al-Dhalea, Lahj, Abyan, Shabwa, Hadramout, Al-Mahra, and Socotra, expressing their absolute rejection of Saudi tutelage and its policies, which they said violate their dignity through widespread abductions and arrests.

They also carried banners supporting the popular escalation program announced by the Southern Transitional Council (STC) to confront what they described as attempts to undermine the southern cause.

Protesters voiced full support for further escalation measures aimed at ending the “Saudi tutelage,” while condemning the arrest of southern leaders and activists, which they said was aimed at suppressing dissent.

They blamed Saudi Arabia for the severe decline in public services and living conditions across the southern provinces, accusing it of waging a “service war” that they said amounted to collective punishment of civilians.

The protesters called for an end to foreign interference, urgent action to tackle the economic crisis, and measures to ease mounting hardships.

They warned that continued economic deterioration and service failures would trigger further public anger and escalation.

@E.Y.M