Local sources in Lahj province, southern Yemen, reported on Monday, August 12, 2024, that armed members of the Southern Transitional Council (STC) prevented a youth event from taking place in the provincial capital, Al-Huta.

The sources told "Barran Press" that STC military vehicles surrounded a hall designated for the "First Youth Gathering in Lahj" on Sunday night. The event was scheduled to be held under the patronage of the President of the Presidential Leadership Council, Rashad Al-Alimi, Minister of Youth and Sports, Naif Al-Bakri, and Lahj Governor, Ahmed Turki.

The sources stated that the military vehicles, heavily armed, remained stationed around the closed hall adjacent to Al-Farooq School in Al-Huta, blocking access to organizers on Monday morning. The event was planned to coincide with International Youth Day, celebrated on August 12.

Simultaneously, STC loyalists disrupted a similar event in Aden, the temporary capital of Yemen, organized by the Youth Sector of the recognized Yemeni government's Ministry of Youth and Sports.

"Barran Press" correspondent reported that STC supporters stormed a hall where the third edition of the "Active Youth Forum" was being held, claiming that the event was supported by President Al-Alimi.

The intruders, who disrupted the forum at the "Al-Fakhma" hall, chanted slogans against Al-Alimi and Yemeni unity while advocating for a separate southern state.

In a statement, the Ministry of Youth and Sports condemned the actions of STC members, blaming them for the disruption of the ministry's event in Aden.

The ministry expressed deep regret and outrage over the "irresponsible actions" of the STC elements, who stormed the event hall, tore down a picture of President Al-Alimi, and vandalized event banners.

The statement further detailed that STC members created chaos, damaged private and public property within the hall, frightened children and women present, and forcibly expelled participants.

The ministry held these individuals responsible for the consequences of their actions, which it deemed detrimental to security and public order. The ministry emphasized that the event aimed to highlight the achievements of young people and their role in building communities and nations, echoing the spirit of International Youth Day.

The ministry clarified that the event was not politically motivated or directed against anyone, but those who operate solely through intimidation and chaos had a different agenda, contradicting the noble purpose of the occasion.

The ministry condemned the "barbaric and irresponsible actions" of these individuals, stating that they contradict the shared goals of establishing a state of law and order and fostering partnerships among various stakeholders in Yemen. The ministry lamented that these actions paint Aden, known for its civility, tolerance, and social cohesion, in a chaotic light, undermining its reputation as a stable province.

The ministry held these "mob" members and their supporters responsible for hindering the ministry's work and activities. Since its establishment in Aden, the ministry has maintained a non-partisan stance, focusing solely on youth and sports, promoting peace, tolerance, and harmony among all members of society.