At least five people were killed and dozens injured after a crowd linked to Yemen’s Southern Transitional Council (STC) attempted to storm a local government building in Ataq, the capital of Shabwah governorate.
According to the security committee in Shabwah Governorate, armed fighters assaulted security and military personnel during Wednesday’s unrest, firing live ammunition as official forces intervened to disperse the demonstrators.
Casualties confirmed
Rami Lamlas, deputy head of the Shabwah General Hospital Authority, confirmed that five people were killed and 39 others wounded in the violence.
Local sources said supporters of the STC had organised a march in Ataq before heading towards the government building. Protesters reportedly attempted to remove the national flag before clashes erupted.
Political tensions rise
The incident comes amid heightened political tensions in Yemen. The Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), backed by Saudi Arabia, recently announced a new cabinet aimed at stabilising governance in the divided country.
Last month, the PLC consolidated its hold over southern Yemen following an STC attempt to assert control over two provinces. The development reportedly led to the withdrawal of United Arab Emirates-backed forces aligned with the separatist group, according to Yemeni and Saudi officials.
The Shabwah security committee warned that it would pursue legal action against anyone found responsible for inciting violence or using weapons, urging citizens to avoid being drawn into further unrest.
Yemen continues to grapple with political instability and economic hardship, with sporadic violence underscoring the fragile security situation in several regions.