By Micah Jonah, February 20, 2026
At least one person has been killed, 11 others injured after Yemeni security forces opened fire to disperse protesters linked to the Southern Transitional Council who attempted to storm the gate of the Al Maashiq Presidential Palace in Aden.
The incident occurred on Thursday shortly after Prime Minister Shaya Mohsen al Zindani convened the first session of Yemen’s internationally recognized government at the palace, which serves as the seat of power in the southern port city.
According to reports by Al Jazeera, exclusive footage showed several wounded individuals at the scene following the gunfire.
In a statement, the Aden Governorate Security Committee said security personnel acted lawfully in response to what it described as armed protesters attempting to carry out acts of sabotage. The committee warned that authorities would not tolerate attacks on security forces or attempts to create chaos.
However, the STC, which is backed by the United Arab Emirates, claimed that at least 21 people were wounded and condemned what it described as excessive use of live ammunition against demonstrators. The group called for an independent investigation into the shooting and appealed to the international community to address what it termed systematic repression in the southern governorates.
On Friday, the STC announced that it does not recognize the legitimacy of the newly formed Yemeni government, describing its presence in Aden as a de facto authority lacking popular support. It warned that any official activity by the government in the interim capital would not translate into political obligations for southern representatives.
The violence comes amid renewed political tensions in Yemen, where conflict has persisted since 2014 following the Houthi takeover of the capital Sanaa. The STC was formed in 2017 and has been pushing for self determination and independence for southern Yemen.
Security has remained fragile in Aden in recent weeks following clashes between rival factions and shifting alliances within the anti Houthi coalition. Observers say the latest bloodshed underscores the deep divisions within Yemen’s political landscape even as the country grapples with prolonged instability and humanitarian crisis.
Authorities have yet to announce any arrests in connection with the incident as tensions remain high in the strategic port city.
