Thousands rally in support of Yemen’s main separatist group

Thousands of people took to the streets of the cities of Aden and Mukalla in southern Yemen on Saturday in support of the country’s main separatist group, the Southern Transitional Council, which denied it was planning to disband.

Some held up photos of STC leader Aidarous al-Zubaidi, who has fled the country, while others chanted “southerner, raise your voice, independence or death”, a Reuters witness said.

People took to the streets despite Saudi-backed groups urging them on Friday not to do so.