Aden (South24 Center)

A military force shut down the headquarters of the Southern Transitional Council’s (STC) National Assembly in the Al-Tawahi district of the capital, Aden, on Thursday morning (January 29), preventing members and staff from entering in a move that has triggered widespread political tension, according to special sources told South24 Center. 

Military vehicles and armed personnel were deployed around the headquarters, barring access to members of the National Assembly and the Consultative Council, the sources added.

The closure came one day after the Assembly’s administrative body held its regular meeting in Aden, during which it discussed political and security developments and reaffirmed its commitment to the Assembly's institutional role and responsibilities. 

In a statement following the meeting, the administrative body emphasized the need to rally behind the STC, led by Aidarous Al-Zubaidi, and rejected what it described as "unilateral decisions" issued by the Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), Rashad Al-Alimi, which it claimed aimed at marginalizing STC representatives, considering this a violation of the Riyadh Consultations' outcomes.

الهيئة الإدارية للجمعية الوطنية تؤكد مسؤولياتها الوطنية وتحذر من استفزاز الشارع الجنوبي

الأربعاء ٢٨ يناير ٢٠٢٦

عقدت الهيئة الإدارية للجمعية الوطنية للمجلس الانتقالي الجنوبي، اليوم الأربعاء، اجتماعها الدوري في العاصمة عدن، برئاسة الأستاذ عصام عبده علي، القائم بأعمال رئيس الجمعية… pic.twitter.com/8P9Y2131x1

— الجمعية الوطنية للمجلس الإنتقالي الجنوبي (@NA_OF_STC) January 28, 2026

In a separate statement, the STC said the closure was carried out by the Giants Forces stationed at the site, acting under what it described as "direct instructions" from the PLC Chairman. 

The Council characterized the move as a "direct targeting of Southern institutions and an attempt to silence its political voice," adding that it constitutes an "assault on public freedoms and the right to political activity." 

It further warned of repercussions for stability and called for the immediate reversal of the closure decision, while rejecting the "militarization of civilian institutions or the use of force for political purposes."

Following the closure, a state of anger and debate escalated across the South, with activists calling for mass demonstrations in Aden to protest what they considered the targeting of a political institution that represents one of the main frameworks for Southern political representation. 

The National Assembly was established by a decree issued by the STC President on November 30, 2017. It currently comprises 371 members representing the Southern governorates and plays a quasi-parliamentary role in discussing political, social, and economic issues, as well as overseeing the Council’s policies and positions. 

The Assembly held its first session in Aden in 2018, issuing resolutions described as pivotal, while its last major session was held in Mukalla on May 22, 2023, following the announcement of the "Southern National Charter."

As of the time of reporting, no official comment has been issued by the Presidential Leadership Council or the local authorities in Aden regarding the reasons for the closure or the entity that took the decision.