Thousands of demonstrators marched through the southern Yemeni city of Aden in large rallies supporting the Southern Transitional Council, defying a government ban on public gatherings.

Crowds chanted slogans calling for southern secession from the north, highlighting the deepening divide between the STC and Aden’s government despite Saudi-led mediation efforts.

The protests come amid persistent security tensions and fragmented military loyalties, further complicating prospects for a comprehensive political solution.