NEWS

Several Protesters Injured by Gunfire During Mass Rally Called by STC in Seiyun

A popular rally supporting the Southern Transitional Council in Seiyun, Wadi Hadramout, February 7, 2026 (South24 Center)

07-02-2026 الساعة 6 مساءً بتوقيت عدن

Seiyun (South24 Center)

A number of Southern protesters were injured on Friday (February 6) due to gunfire in the surroundings area of Seiyun International Airport in Hadramout Governorate, while participating in a mass rally called by the Southern Transitional Council (STC), according to press sources and statements issued by the Council.


A press source stated that forces stationed near the airport opened fire on the rally participants, leaving several wounded, as security tensions escalated in the city, in the face of a massive rally that saw protesters raise flags of the South as well as photos of President of the Southern Transitional Council (STC), Aidrous Al-Zubaidi.


Seiyun witnessed a mega rally titled "Rally of Firmness and Steadfastness," which set off from several main streets and ended near Seiyun Palace, where protesters defiantly raised the flag of the South after it had been previously lowered by Saudi-backed Northern Emergency Forces.



In a statement issued Thursday night, the STC in Hadramout confirmed that protesters were injured as a result of what it described as the use of medium and light weapons against them. It called on human rights and humanitarian organizations to intervene to stop what it termed as the "systematic repression against civilians" in the governorate.


On Saturday, the Council escalated its tone, describing the Emergency Forces in Wadi Hadramout as "occupation forces that have lost the justification for their existence," and holding the military authorities and the local administration responsible for any potential escalation. It also demanded the release of detainees held for their participation in the protests. The Council called for continued popular mobilization, stating that the security of the Wadi will only be achieved by empowering the Hadrami Elite Forces, as had existed previously.



These developments coincided with a statement issued by the Saudi-backed Hadramout National Council, which called for dealing with the protesters with an "iron fist," describing the events as acts of sabotage and accusing the STC of being behind the protests.


Eyewitnesses said some participants burned a large photo of the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, expressing anger toward what they see as support for the Emergency Forces deployed in Wadi Hadramout.


In its final statement, the crowds at the Seiyun rally rejected the announcement of dissolving the STC, calling it null and void. They also condemned raids on the Council's headquarters and the homes of its leaders, demanding the withdrawal of the Emergency Forces and the empowerment of the Hadrami Elite Forces and the Nation Shield forces to manage the security file.


In a related context, the city of Sayhut in Al-Mahra Governorate witnessed a protest yesterday, while Socotra saw a protest rally today in support of the Southern Transitional Council (STC), where participants renewed their backing for the project of restoring the State of the South and rejected steps they view as undermining the Council’s role.



The STC in Hadramout has called for a mass gathering in Mukalla on Tuesday (February 10, 2026) to reject the presence of what it described as "alien forces and occupation forces," and to demand the empowerment of local forces to manage security and military affairs.



- South24 Center

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