Aden (South24 Center)

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On Tuesday (April 7), a wave of public protests aligned with the Southern Transitional Council (STC) spread across several cities in South Yemen, condemning the crackdown on protesters in Hadramout and rejecting what participants described as attempts to impose political arrangements that do not reflect the will of the South.

The protests took place across multiple southern governorates, most notably Shabwa, Al-Dhalea, Abyan, and Radfan (Lahj), with simultaneous rallies held to express solidarity with Hadramout and denounce the use of force against peaceful demonstrators.

In Shabwa, security forces imposed strict measures from the early morning hours, including blocking roads leading to the protest site in Ataq and confiscating Southern flags in an apparent attempt to prevent the solidarity gathering.

Despite these restrictions, a protest was held in Ataq, where participants chanted slogans in support of STC President Aidrous Al-Zoubaidi and condemned violations against the people of Hadramout.

#BREAKING

Video: Security forces in Shabwa continue to prevent peaceful protesters from reaching the protest square in Ataq#south24 pic.twitter.com/6Wjc5SBWc0

— South24 | English (@South24E) April 7, 2026

A South24 correspondent in Shabwa reported that security forces detained three individuals, including STC General Assembly member Mohammed Saleh Al-Khalifi and a journalist collaborating with the center, before releasing them later after being held in security vehicles. The detentions also included a correspondent for the STC-affiliated Aden Independent Channel (AIC), who was also released.

#BREAKING

Video: Security forces in #Shabwa close roads leading to the protest square in Ataq and prevent protesters from reaching it#south24 pic.twitter.com/BPUbm1na1K

— South24 | English (@South24E) April 7, 2026

In the final statement issued at the Ataq rally, participants condemned what they described as “violations and human rights crimes” against the people of the South, calling for an immediate end to such actions and for both local and international accountability. They also reaffirmed their rejection of any attempts to “circumvent” the Southern issue.

In Al-Dhalea, a large public rally was held, with participants carrying photos of victims from the Mukalla events and chanting slogans against the use of force. A statement issued during the rally strongly condemned what it described as “brutal repression,” holding the responsible authorities fully accountable and warning that the events mark a dangerous escalation against the Southern population.

#BREAKING

A massive rally in Dhalea city to denounce the security suppression of protesters in Hadramout and in solidarity with the victims#south24 pic.twitter.com/hXCDbYVneD

— South24 | English (@South24E) April 7, 2026

The statement added that “the free people of Hadramout are the heartbeat of the South,” warning that continued violations could trigger broader escalation and urging the international community to assume its responsibilities regarding what it described as “gross violations.”

#BREAKING

A massive rally in Dhalea in solidarity with Hadramout and in condemnation of the suppression of protesters#south24 pic.twitter.com/mzszSk5wyJ

— South24 | English (@South24E) April 7, 2026

In Radfan, a similar solidarity rally took place, while a large gathering was also held in Ahwar and Al-Mahfad districts in Abyan. Participants reiterated full solidarity with Hadramout and called for the immediate release of all detainees and activists.

#BREAKING

Al-Mahfad district in Abyan witnesses a massive public march in solidarity with Hadramout and in condemnation of violations#south24 pic.twitter.com/cd974d4Id3

— South24 | English (@South24E) April 7, 2026

#BREAKING

Photos: A massive rally in Radfan to denounce the security suppression of protesters in #Hadramout and in solidarity with the victims#south24 pic.twitter.com/9aiu58EufC

— South24 | English (@South24E) April 7, 2026

These developments follow the events of Saturday (April 4) in Mukalla, where two protesters were killed and four others injured by gunfire from security forces while dispersing a peaceful pro-STC rally, according to South24 correspondents.

Field reports indicated that Saudi-backed forces launched an arrest campaign on the same day and the following day, targeting dozens of STC supporters who participated in the protest. Security authorities also issued arrest warrants against several STC leaders in the governorate.

The escalation recalls earlier incidents, including the events of February 11 in Ataq, where seven people were killed and 43 others injured during a peaceful rally, marking one of the most violent episodes of Southern protests in recent months.

Additionally, on February 20, forces guarding the Yemeni government headquarters at Ma'ashiq Palace in Aden opened fire with live ammunition to disperse a pro-STC protest against the arrival of Northern ministers, killing one person and injuring 20 others.