Saudi-backed forces open fire to disperse STC supporters in Mukalla

HADRAMOUT, July 22 (YPA) – Saudi-backed security forces, including the “Emergency” and “Dera Al-Watan” units, opened live fire on Tuesday to disperse protesters in Mukalla, the provincial capital of Hadramout in eastern Yemen, according to local reports and video footage.

Casualties remain unconfirmed.

Videos circulated by activists on social media show forces firing directly toward demonstrators aligned with the “dissolved” UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC), who were marching through Mukalla’s streets to demand an end to foreign guardianship. The force was reportedly used to clear the protest site and disperse participants, amidst silence from STC leadership.

The incident follows a series of heightened security measures by Saudi-backed forces, including the establishment of military checkpoints at the entrances and key streets of the city to restrict the movement of demonstrators trying to reach the main square in Khor Mukalla.

YPA