Al-Mahrah (South24 Center)

Al-Ghaydah, the capital of Al-Mahrah in South Yemen, witnessed a massive rally on Tuesday (December 30), during which thousands of participants voiced support for the deployment of Southern Forces in the governorate and condemned Saudi airstrikes that targeted the civilian Port of Mukalla in Hadramout governorate.

#BREAKING

South24 Correspondent: Crowds begin to arrive in Al-Ghaydah, Al-Mahra, to participate in a demonstration supporting Southern Government Forces and demanding the declaration of a South State #south24 pic.twitter.com/cC4qshfiom

— South24 | English (@South24E) December 30, 2025

According to a South24 correspondent, crowds poured in from various districts of the governorate in a broad display of popular participation representing different segments of society. Southern flags were raised, and chants in support of the independence of the State of South Yemen echoed throughout the rally.

The head of the Executive Authority of the Southern Transitional Council (STC) in Al-Mahrah, Abdulrahim Al-Sadiq, said that “the people of the South are today expressing their free will and their legitimate right to restore their State.”

He added that the rally “reflects the pivotal role of Al-Mahrah governorate in strengthening Southern unity,” noting that the establishment of the Mahri Elite Force, with the support of STC President Aidrous Al-Zubaidi, represents an important step toward enabling local residents to protect their land and enhance security and stability.

Al-Sadiq also condemned the Saudi airstrikes on Mukalla Port, stating that they caused panic among civilians and targeted a vital civilian facility.

#BREAKING

South24 Correspondent: The Al-Ghaydah demonstration kicks off in Al-Mahra to support Southern Government Forces and demand the declaration of a South State #south24 pic.twitter.com/14X5EeUNeA

— South24 | English (@South24E) December 30, 2025

He announced his support for the statement issued by four members of the Presidential Leadership Council rejecting the unilateral measures taken by Council Chairman Rashad Al-Alimi at Saudi instigation, and called for adherence to the principles of partnership and consensus and for avoiding dragging the South into new conflicts.

South24’s coverage noted a significant participation of women at the rally, indicating the expanding societal support for the Southern Forces and the path toward restoring the Southern State.

The rally’s final statement reaffirmed the people of Al-Mahrah’s commitment to their right to self-determination and to moving forward with the restoration of the Southern State irrespective of external pressures. It called for the continued presence of Southern Forces to secure the governorate until the formation of the Mahri Elite Force is completed.

The statement also stressed the rejection of turning Al-Mahrah into a corridor for illicit activities that undermine its social and sovereign security or harm the South’s relations with its regional surroundings.

#BREAKING

South24 Coverage: Scenes of the women's participation in the Al-Mahra rally supporting Southern government forces #south24 pic.twitter.com/yV6hwJfpt1

— South24 | English (@South24E) December 30, 2025

The Al-Ghaydah rally comes two days after two mass demonstrations were held in the cities of Seiyun and Mukalla in Hadramout on Sunday and Monday (December 28 and 29), during which tens of thousands of people voiced support for the Southern Forces and called for the declaration of the State of South Arabia.