Multiple deaths reported in south Yemen amid STC protest against government

Five people killed, 39 wounded in Ataq protest

A crowd linked to Yemen’s separatist Southern Transitional Council (STC) attempted to storm a local government building in the southeastern city of Ataq on Wednesday. According to local authorities and sources, five individuals lost their lives and 39 were injured during the incident.

The security committee in Shabwah governorate reported that armed fighters clashed with security and military personnel, resulting in casualties as official forces intervened. The attack occurred amid a march organized by STC supporters, who aimed to storm the local government building and remove the national flag.

This latest escalation of violence follows days after the Saudi-backed Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) announced a new cabinet with diverse political and regional affiliations. The PLC’s move aims to govern Yemen, which has been plagued by conflict and division.

In response to the attack, the security committee in Shabwah vowed to take action against individuals proven to be involved in inciting or planning actions, or using weapons. The committee urged citizens to resist any calls to get involved.

The incident is part of a broader struggle for control over southern Yemen, which has been a focal point of conflict in recent months. The STC had previously attempted to seize control of two southern provinces but was unsuccessful, leading to the collapse and dissolution of its forces and the withdrawal of United Arab Emirates support from southern Yemen.

Source: Al Jazeera