Shabwa (South24 Center)

At least seven people were killed and about 28 others injured, including children, on Wednesday (February 11) after security forces opened fire to disperse a mass rally supporting the Southern Transitional Council (STC) in the city of Ataq, the capital of Shabwa governorate, in one of the most violent protest-related incidents in years.

#BREAKING

South24 Center Video: The crowds in Ataq, Shabwa, bypass security attempts to close off the area and enter the event square despite the gunfire#south24 pic.twitter.com/gu3fSmNAAF

— South24 | English (@South24E) February 11, 2026

Local and medical sources told South24 that live ammunition was fired near the event square on Ataq’s main street, resulting in seven deaths and dozens of injuries. Video footage circulated online showed several wounded protesters, including a critical case involving a direct gunshot wound to the head.

According to a South24 correspondent, tensions began early Wednesday as crowds arrived from various districts of the governorate to mark the “South Martyr’s Day.” Security forces deployed around the gathering site — including the Al-Dawar checkpoint at the western entrance to the city — to prevent additional participants from entering.

An injured protester in Ataq, Shabwa (Activists)

Field sources said the shooting began when crowds attempted to access the square after the event stage had been vandalized overnight by security forces. Despite the gunfire, participants proceeded with the gathering, which opened with Quran recitation and the South national anthem.

#BREAKING

A massive public rally sweeps through the streets of Ataq in support of the Southern Transitional Council, amidst widespread security crackdowns #south24 pic.twitter.com/K5PFN3rsxu

— South24 | English (@South24E) February 11, 2026

During the event, Sheikh Lahmar Ali Laswad, head of the STC Executive Body in Shabwa, delivered remarks emphasizing adherence to the project of restoring the South state and praising the turnout. In another speech, Abdulsalam Al-Hani, representing families of those killed, said the sacrifices of the victims would remain a trust and would not be wasted, according to the correspondent.

#BREAKING

Large crowds march along Ataq’s main street in Shabwa in support of the STC#south24pic.twitter.com/Q67nC4p74D

— South24 | English (@South24E) February 11, 2026

A political statement issued at the conclusion of the rally renewed the mandate for STC President Aidrous Al-Zubaidi, rejected the declaration issued from Riyadh to dissolve the Council, and announced support for the Constitutional Declaration issued in January. The statement also called on international and regional actors to respect what it described as the will of the South’s people.

In a separate statement, the local STC leadership in Shabwa offered condolences to families of those killed and injured, accusing security and military forces of using live fire against peaceful demonstrators. It said organizers had coordinated with authorities in advance, relocated the gathering site away from government facilities, and proposed security arrangements to avoid friction — proposals it said were rejected.

The statement accused forces of storming the site at dawn, destroying the stage, and surrounding the area with military vehicles before opening fire, holding the security committee legally and morally responsible.

#BREAKING

South24 Video: Security forces in Shabwa open fire to prevent crowds from entering the event square called for by the Southern Transitional Council#south24 pic.twitter.com/YF98yP1lnN

— South24 | English (@South24E) February 11, 2026

The STC National Assembly also condemned what it described as the storming of the gathering square by “militia-like forces,” calling it a violation of the right to peaceful expression. Meanwhile, the Coordination of Southern Civil Society Organizations blamed those ordering the shooting for the escalation and warned of worsening tensions.

For its part, the Shabwa Security Committee said that “armed elements” attacked security personnel and attempted to storm the governorate headquarters, urging citizens not to follow what it described as inflammatory calls and reaffirming its commitment to maintaining stability. The committee had warned a day earlier that it would not allow any unlicensed events.

#BREAKING

Video documents protesters throwing stones at a security military vehicle in Ataq amidst the sound of live ammunition fire#south24 pic.twitter.com/tyPjqu26US

— South24 | English (@South24E) February 11, 2026

The incident in Ataq follows similar tensions days earlier in Seiyun, Hadramout governorate, where protesters were injured during a pro-STC rally — signaling a widening wave of southern protests.

On Tuesday, STC President Aidrous Al-Zubaidi posted a message on social media calling on Southerners to continue rallying around the Council and adhere to the principles of the Constitutional Declaration of the South Arabia State. He praised public cohesion and resilience, paid tribute to those killed, wished recovery for the wounded, and concluded by affirming that the struggle would continue until victory.