SOUTH24 CENTER FOR NEWS & STUDIES
SOUTH24 CENTER FOR NEWS & STUDIES
Shibam Event in Hadramout Marking the 62nd Anniversary of the October 14 Revolution – South24 Center, October 14, 2025
Last updated on: 14-10-2025 at 9 PM Aden Time
Hadramout (South24 Center)
In a vast square surrounded by the iconic mud-brick skyscrapers of Shibam, thousands of men and women gathered on Tuesday (October 14) in Wadi Hadramout to commemorate the 62nd anniversary of the October 14 Revolution against British colonial rule.
Crowds began streaming in early in the morning from across Wadi Hadramout in response to a call by the Southern Transitional Council (STC), which showcased its broad popular base on this historic occasion.
Participants waved the flag of South Yemen and chanted patriotic songs. A South24 correspondent reported that large groups of people walked long distances to reach the event’s venue.
Videos taken by the correspondent showed the gathering of massive crowds stretching across the square, in between buildings, and even on rooftops, with a notable female presence.
Addressing the gathering, Ali Al-Kathiri, head of the STC’s Southern National Assembly, said the event represented “a new message from Hadramout reaffirming its belonging to the project of the Southern state.”
He added: “We agree on Hadramout’s borders within the Southern state and welcome dialogue on that basis. We reject any maneuver aimed at reviving unity in any form, including the so-called federal Yemen.”
The closing statement of the event reaffirmed rejection of all projects seeking to target Hadramout or separate it from its Southern identity.
The statement further demanded “the withdrawal of the First Military District forces from Wadi and Desert Hadramout and the handover of security duties to the Hadrami Elite Forces.”
The First Military District, composed mainly of northern troops, has been stationed near Hadramout’s oil fields since before 2015. Most of its personnel hail from areas under Houthi control.
The statement also called on Yemen’s internationally recognized government to “fulfill its responsibilities and ensure regular payment of salaries.”
As part of the broader celebrations across South Yemen marking the anniversary of the October 14 Revolution, other Southern governorates also witnessed parallel events.
In Al-Mahra, an artistic and ceremonial event was held in Al-Ghaydah, featuring patriotic performances and traditional dances celebrating Southern identity.
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— South24 | English (@South24E) October 14, 2025
Photos from South24 Center show segment of attendance at speech/artistic ceremony in Al-Mahra marking 62nd anniversary of October 14 Revolution#south24 pic.twitter.com/wTJtusC8oj
In Shabwa, the First Shabwa Defense Brigade held a military parade to commemorate both the 62nd anniversary of the October 14 Revolution and the martyrdom of its first commander, Ahmad Al-Sulaimani, who was killed on October 15, 2024, when his car was bombed by Al-Qaeda in the Al-Saeed district of Shabwa governorate.
#BREAKING
— South24 | English (@South24E) October 14, 2025
1st Shabwa Defense Brigade holds military parade honoring October 14 Revolution and martyrdom anniversary of Commander Al-Sulaimani#south24 pic.twitter.com/yeUEVva50y
In Abyan, the Minister of Defense attended a major military parade organized by the Support Brigades Command, the Security Belt Forces, and the Counter-Terrorism Apparatus, showcasing the readiness of Southern forces.
Meanwhile, in Aden, a vehicle procession along the Coastal Road celebrated the anniversary of the October 14 Revolution, with participants raising Southern flags and chanting patriotic slogans.
On Monday, STC President and Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) member Aidrous Al-Zubaidi said the South is moving steadily toward restoring its state.
In a televised address marking the revolution’s anniversary, Al-Zubaidi stressed that Southerners’ aspiration for independence has become “a national choice that cannot be reversed.”
He added that the South remains a partner in counterterrorism efforts and regional security, while firmly upholding “its full right to restore and build its independent state according to the will of its people.”
In a notable message directed northward, Al-Zubaidi affirmed that the STC “will remain a pillar of support for the people in governorates resisting the Houthis.”
Separately, Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council Chairman Rashad Al-Alimi, in a speech marking the occasion, said the Southern issue has become “the cornerstone of any comprehensive political settlement.”
He urged all sides to “close the doors of division and open a new page of joint action” to end the Iran-backed Houthi coup and restore state institutions.
Al-Alimi also highlighted the “relative economic improvement” resulting from the government’s financial and administrative reforms, noting “renewed Saudi support and the resumption of IMF activities in Yemen after an eleven-year suspension”.
On Monday, Al-Dhalea governorate also witnessed one of the largest mass rallies in years to commemorate the October 14 Revolution, attended by Al-Zubaidi and delegations from neighboring governorates.
Read more at: Mass Southern Gathering in Al-Dhalea Commemorates October 14 Revolution Anniversary
The October 14 Revolution, which erupted from the Radfan Mountains in 1963, ultimately led to Britain’s withdrawal from South Yemen and the declaration of independence on November 30, 1967.
