Aden: Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council reported that individuals were killed and injured following unrest aimed at targeting state institutions in the interim capital, Aden. This occurred a day after the newly formed government convened its first meeting there.
According to Anadolu Agency, an unnamed source at the council stated that state leaders had observed ‘with deep regret’ incidents of ‘acts of incitement and armed mobilization by elements outside the law.’ These actions culminated in repeated attempts to attack public institutions. The source did not specify the number of casualties involved.
Aden’s security committee had previously noted that armed groups gathered near the Maasheq Presidential Palace, attempting to storm it and engage security forces. The presidential source indicated that security forces responded with ‘maximum restraint,’ dispersing gatherings that blocked roads and threatened public order while protecting sovereign facilities in accordance with the law.
The events were described as a coordinated escalation by the official, who also accused unnamed parties of financing, arming, and inciting confrontations. These parties allegedly pushed individuals in civilian clothing into clashes with security personnel. The meeting of the government in Aden was described as a ‘decisive message’ that the state intends to restore the regular functioning of its institutions.
The unrest coincided with improvements in public services and preparations for a Saudi-sponsored southern conference. This timing raised questions about certain regional actors allegedly trying to undermine national unity against the Houthi threat. The source urged citizens to cooperate with security agencies and avoid being drawn into chaos instigated by fugitives and dissolved entities backed from abroad.
The Southern Transitional Council, which disbanded in January, stated separately that one person was killed and 21 others injured during protests against ‘imposed policies and attempts to bypass southern political aspirations.’
On February 6, the Presidential Leadership Council announced the formation of a new government led by Shaya al-Zindani, who also serves as the foreign affairs minister. This cabinet formation followed weeks of consultations in Riyadh, aimed at easing tensions between the internationally recognized government and the Southern Transitional Council and establishing a consensual framework for the future.