Saudi-backed forces besiege STC leaders in Mukalla hotel

HADRAMOUT, Sept. 01 (YPA) – Saudi-backed security and military forces imposed a tight siege on several the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) leaders inside a hotel in central Mukalla, the provincial capital of Hadramout in eastern Yemen, on Tuesday.

A knowledgeable local source reported that “Special Forces” surrounded directors of the Hadramout governorate districts, alongside members of the STC’s auxiliary body, inside the “Al-Huda Hotel” in the city center. The forces prevented them from leaving to participate in the “Army Day” event and to demand an end to the Saudi guardianship.

The source confirmed that the containment of the leaders inside the hotel was carried out under direct orders from Hadramout Governor Salem Al-Khambashi, who was appointed by Saudi Arabia.

This coincides with “Emergency” forces raiding a women’s gathering participating in the event inside a local hotel, preventing them from exiting. The operation caused widespread panic, leading to several women fainting.

Meanwhile, Saudi-aligned forces tightened their closure of all access points to Mukalla, including main and side streets leading to the square in front of the governorate administration HQ, amid an intensive security deployment.

YPA