Al-Dhalea (South24 Center)

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On Monday, October 13, Al-Dhalea governorate in South Yemen witnessed a massive public gathering, with tens of thousands participating from various Southern governorates, to mark the 62nd anniversary of the October 14 Revolution against British colonialism.

Crowds flowed in from Aden, Lahj, Abyan, and Shabwa to the celebration square in the city of Al-Dhalea, raising Southern flags, portraits of revolutionary icons, and martyrs of the Southern movement, while chanting slogans reaffirming their commitment to their national cause and the demand to restore the Southern state.

The event, described as one of the largest public gatherings in recent years, was attended by the President of the Southern Transitional Council (STC) and Vice President of the Presidential Leadership Council, Aidrous Al-Zubaidi, who delivered a political speech to the audience.

Al-Zubaidi saluted the Southern masses and emphasized that the October 14 Revolution will remain the flame of struggle and a source of inspiration for all free people.

Speaking from the event square, Al-Zubaidi stated, “We affirm our steadfast progress on the path to restoring and building an independent federal Southern state on the foundations of freedom, justice, and equal citizenship, with an unwavering will.”

He added that Al-Dhalea governorate will remain a symbol of Southern struggle.

Al-Zubaidi also addressed the course of the Southern National Dialogue, which concluded with the adoption of the Southern National Charter, explaining that it laid the foundation for a new phase of cohesion and state-building based on fair and equitable institutional principles.

He highlighted that the Southern Transitional Council will continue to work with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to ensure the security of international maritime routes, combat terrorism, and confront the Houthis.

Additionally, he praised the role of Southern women and youth, describing women as essential partners in the journey of struggle and construction, and youth as the flame of the revolution.

Al-Dhalea governorate is one of the prominent centers of political and public activity in the South and has played a historic role in the October 14 Revolution, which was launched from the Radfan Mountains in Lahj Governorate and culminated in the independence of the South on November 30, 1967.