Mukalla (South24 Center)

On Tuesday, February 10, thousands of people gathered in the city of Mukalla, in Hadramout Governorate, to demand the withdrawal of what organizers described as “northern forces.” The rally was called by the Southern Transitional Council (STC) amid rising political and security tensions in the region.

#BREAKING

South24 Video: Crowds continue to arrive at Yaqoub Square in Mukalla to participate in the public rally called for by the Transitional Council #south24 pic.twitter.com/jISAWsKG1A

— South24 | English (@South24E) February 10, 2026

Demonstrators began assembling at Ya’qoub Square around midday, waving South Yemen flags and holding banners opposing the presence of military forces from outside the governorate. Protesters said local residents should be responsible for managing security and military affairs in Hadramout.

Women participated in large numbers, with marches coming from several neighborhoods toward the main rally site. Many women carried South Yemen flags and images of STC President Aidarous Al-Zubaidi and called for the release of individuals detained following recent protests in Wadi Hadramout.

In a statement issued at the end of the rally, organizers rejected any actions aimed at weakening or dissolving the Southern Transitional Council and reaffirmed their commitment to a Constitutional Declaration issued in January 2026, which they described as the political framework for the current period.

The statement also called for the withdrawal of the so-called “Yemeni Emergency Forces” and for the Hadrami Elite Forces to assume responsibility for security and military matters. It condemned recent arrest campaigns in Wadi Hadramout and urged the international community to safeguard the right to peaceful protest.

According to local sources, security checkpoints in areas including Burum–Mayfa’ blocked convoys traveling from coastal districts. Residents from the coastal city of Al-Shihr were also prevented from entering Mukalla, according to statements by STC officials.

Ahead of the demonstration, security authorities warned against attacks on public or private property, saying action would be taken against any attempts to disrupt public order.

The rally followed a call issued by the STC on February 6 for public demonstrations against what it described as the presence of “foreign forces.” It coincided with a similar protest in the city of Aden in support of the STC and in opposition to arrest campaigns in Wadi Hadramout.

#عاجل |
فيديو لمركز سوث24:
جزء من المسيرة الجماهيرية في عدن دعماً لرئيس المجلس الانتقالي الجنوبي الزبيدي وتنديداً باعتقالات حضرموت#south24 pic.twitter.com/ZeAUnFWCRZ

— South24 | عربي (@South24_net) February 10, 2026

The protests come amid growing unrest in Hadramout, days after demonstrations in the city of Seiyun led to arrests and security raids. Human rights and media organizations have criticized those actions as violations of freedom of expression and press freedom.

Hadramout has seen rising political and public tension in recent days, with protests spreading across the governorate.