The Yemeni Ministry of Youth and Sports, recognized by the internationally recognized government, on Monday, August 12, 2024, condemned elements it claimed were affiliated with the Southern Transitional Council (STC) for disrupting and dismantling a celebration held by the ministry in Aden, the temporary capital of Yemen, to commemorate International Youth Day.

In a statement seen by "Bran Press," the ministry denounced what it described as "irresponsible actions" carried out by "elements affiliated with the Southern Transitional Council during the celebration organized by the Ministry of Youth and Sports in conjunction with International Youth Day."

The ministry expressed its deep regret and outrage at these actions, explaining that STC elements "stormed the celebration hall, tore down a picture of President of the Presidential Leadership Council Dr. Rashad Al-Alimi, and the event banner."

The statement further mentioned that the STC elements "caused chaos, vandalized private and public property in the hall, terrified children and women attending the event, and expelled participants in a barbaric and irresponsible manner."

The ministry held these elements responsible for the consequences of such actions, which it stated "do not serve public security and peace," noting that it intended for the celebration to "highlight the achievements of young people and remind them of their roles in building societies and advancing nations, in line with all peoples of the world who celebrate this day."

The ministry emphasized that the celebration "was not politicized or directed against anyone, but the elements who only know the language of threats and are adept at only the weapon of chaos and destruction, as if they have a different opinion, contradicting the general and noble goal of the occasion."

The statement added: "The barbaric and irresponsible actions taken by these elements do not align with the goals we all strive to achieve in establishing the rule of law, the state, and partnership between various parties working in our country. Instead, they present Aden, known for its 'civility, tolerance, and social coexistence,' in a chaotic manner to others, placing it in the category of an unstable governorate."

The ministry continued: "Therefore, we hold these 'mobs' and those who stood by them, supported them, or pushed them, responsible for disrupting the ministry's work and activities. Since its establishment in the capital Aden, the ministry has distanced itself from all political squabbles and dedicated all its efforts solely to youth and sports, considering it a message of peace, tolerance, and harmony among all members of society."

On Monday morning, armed individuals loyal to the Southern Transitional Council stormed the celebration for International Youth Day, organized by the youth sector of the Yemeni Ministry of Youth and Sports, recognized by the internationally recognized government.

"Barran Press" correspondent reported that STC loyalists stormed a hall where the third edition of the "Active Youth Forum" was being held, claiming that the forum's organizer was the President of the Presidential Leadership Council "Rashad Al-Alimi."

The correspondent explained that the individuals who stormed the "Fakhma" hall, where the forum was scheduled to be held, prevented the event from taking place, chanting slogans against Al-Alimi and Yemeni unity, and others in support of a Southern state.

The correspondent noted that the forum organizers were surprised by the storming, despite it being held for the third year in a row, publicly organized, with its preparatory committees known. This incident also hinders any youth activities in the capital Aden.

"Barran Press" obtained video clips showing the intruders vandalizing the hall, chanting slogans against the President of the Presidential Leadership Council, and tearing down the event banner that featured a picture of Rashad Al-Alimi as the official sponsor.

It is worth noting that the Ministry of Youth and Sports held the second edition of the Active Youth Forum in August 2022, and it was suspended for the past year. The forum is held annually in conjunction with International Youth Day, which falls on August 12th.