HADRAMOUT, Oct. 31 (YPA) – An angry protest in Mukalla, the capital of Hadramout, was met with armed repression using live ammunition by Saudi-backed forces on Saturday.

A local source confirmed that dozens of supporters of the Southern Transitional Council (STC) organized the past protest in front of the Andalus Hall, rejecting an event held by the Southern Future Council, which was established by Riyadh and is headed by former Transitional Council leader Fadi Baoum.

The source explained that the protesters chanted anti-Saudi slogans demanding the withdrawal of Saudi forces and an end to the guardianship. They described Baoum as a traitor to the southern cause, reiterating their rejection of the creation of new political entities with Saudi support, which they believe will tear apart the social fabric of the south.

He added that armed elements loyal to Saudi Arabia from Unit 22 and the Emergency Forces, aboard military vehicles, attempted to disperse the sit-in by firing live ammunition from light and medium weapons, but failed to secure the event after the protesters gathered at the main door, stormed the hall, raised pictures of the head of the Transitional Council, Aidarus al-Zubaidi, and chanted slogans demanding his return to Aden.