Deadly clashes broke out in the southeastern Yemeni city of Ataq after demonstrators linked to the Southern Transitional Council (STC) attempted to storm a local government building, leaving several people dead and dozens wounded, according to hospital officials and local authorities.
The confrontation unfolded in Shabwa governorate, where security forces said armed individuals targeted personnel and opened fire as they approached the governorate headquarters.
Conflicting casualty figures emerged in the aftermath, underscoring the volatility of the situation.
Rami Lamlas, deputy head of the Shabwah General Hospital Authority, told Al Jazeera that five people were killed and 39 wounded when security and military forces dispersed demonstrators affiliated with the STC.
An official local source cited by Al Arabiya reported that six people were killed and 30 others wounded in armed clashes between government forces and STC supporters.
“The clashes erupted because STC-aligned demonstrators approached the perimeter of the governorate building and attempted to remove the Yemeni flag,” the source stated.
Authorities said light and medium weapons were used, resulting in injuries among both demonstrators and security personnel.
Residents reported panic in the city center, with traffic halted and shops forced to close.
By Wednesday evening, the city was experiencing cautious calm, with military patrols deployed across main streets amid fears of renewed unrest.
The escalation follows calls by STC supporters to stage opposition demonstrations in Ataq.
It comes days after the Saudi-backed Presidential Leadership Council announced a new cabinet aimed at governing the divided country.
Last month, the STC’s presidential body and executive leadership announced the dissolution of the council and its affiliated institutions, calling for comprehensive southern dialogue under Saudi auspices.
Security authorities in Shabwa condemned the attempted storming of the administrative building and said they would hold accountable “those who violate law and order.”
They urged residents to reject incitement and warned that any actions undermining stability would not be tolerated.