Aden (South24) 

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The governorates of Hadramout and Aden, in South Yemen, are witnessing angry popular demonstrations, denouncing the deterioration of public services, the collapse of the local currency, and the deteriorating living conditions in the country.

Hundreds of protesters went out in the city of Mukalla, on Sunday and Monday, in the coast of Hadramout to demonstrate during the night, during which the roads were cut off with burning tires, the closure of government headquarters and shops, and the burning of a number of government and private buildings.

Angry evening demonstrations in Mukalla, Hadramout, September 12, 2021 (activists)

According to local media, at least two protesters were wounded by live bullets in Mukalla, after the security forces dispersed the demonstrators, on Sunday.

Today, Tuesday, protesters blocked the international road linking Mukalla and eastern Hadramout Governorate.

In Aden, protesters closed the main line in the city of Crater in the Sirah district, on Monday, in an evening demonstration due to the continuous power outages, and the collapse of the riyal to unprecedented record levels; This reflected tragically on food prices, in parallel with the interruption of the salaries of the armed sector, and the decline in civil sector salaries.

Protesters block the main street in Crater, Aden, September 13, 2021 (activists)

The demonstrators chanted slogans denouncing the Yemeni government in Riyadh, the STC that controls Aden, and the Saudi-led coalition.

Mualla district has also witnessed demonstrations and road blockages, today, Tuesday, while dozens of protesters closed money exchange shops in Crater.

Ongoing protests in Crater, Aden, September 14, 2021 (activists)

The STC in Hadramout Governorate issued a statement, on Sunday, condemning the "acts of sabotage" that accompanied the Mukalla protests, calling on young demonstrators to "miss the opportunity" for those who want to aggravate the situation.

STC in Hadramout called for the "peaceful" protests to be adhered to, and to hold a stand, on Monday, in front of the governorate building in the city of Mukalla.

Mukalla protest which was called by the STC on September 13, 2021 (activists)

STC Presidency announced in its periodic meeting yesterday, Monday, its "absolute support" for the peaceful protests in Hadramout, calling on the people of the province to "preserve public property", and blamed the Yemeni government for everything that is going on.

STC Presidency indicated its continuous calls for the return of the Yemeni government to Aden, the exercise of its tasks, the fulfillment of its obligations, and the completion of the Riyadh Agreement.

Observers fear that local Yemeni parties will exploit the protests in Aden and Mukalla to spread "chaos", warning also of "any repression" that the demonstrators may be subjected to, which "may contribute to increasing popular tension."

Security forces in Aden had deployed in the vicinity of the demonstrations in Crater, Aden, on Monday, "to prevent any acts of violence or sabotage," according to a security source who spoke to "South24". 

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South24 Center for News and Analysis 

Photo: Demonstrations continue in Crater, Aden, September 14, 2021 (activists)