ADEN, Yemen, April 4 (Xinhua) -- Two people were killed and several others injured on Saturday when security forces opened fire to disperse pro-secession demonstrators in Yemen's southeastern oil-rich province of Hadramout, according to a local source.
"Two individuals succumbed to gunshot wounds, while several others were injured," the medical source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.
According to local activists, hundreds of protesters had gathered in Mukalla, the capital of Hadramout, in support of the pro-secession Southern Transitional Council (STC). They said security forces attempted to break up the rally by pointing weapons at demonstrators and opening fire.
Footage circulating on social media showed wounded protesters being transported on motorbikes to nearby hospitals.
Meanwhile, local authorities in Hadramout issued a statement expressing regret over the incident, blaming organizers for proceeding with the unlicensed demonstrations.
"They continued to organize unauthorized protests despite clear instructions to comply with the law in order to preserve security and stability," the statement said.
Established in 2017, the STC has consistently pursued the independence of southern Yemen, which has frequently put it at odds with state institutions, despite its involvement in the country's power-sharing government and its role in the current collective leadership. ■
