ABYAN – Gas tanker drivers are staging a protest in Abyan governorate, blocking the main highway between Shabwah and Aden, and refusing to deliver fuel to the temporary capital, sources reported Friday, October 4, 2024. The drivers are protesting what they call illegal taxes imposed by checkpoints operated by the Southern Transitional Council (STC) forces.

According to sources speaking to Barran Press, the drivers began their sit-in at the eastern entrance of Zinjibar, Abyan's capital, demanding an end to the levies. They refuse to move from Abyan until the checkpoints are removed and the arbitrary taxation ceases.

The protest comes despite directives from members of the Presidential Council, STC leader Aidarous al-Zubaidi, and Commander of the Giants Forces, Abd al-Rahman al-Mahrami, to halt illegal taxation. These orders, issued earlier this week, appear to have been largely ignored. Al-Mahrami's directives, issued Monday, were addressed to governors of Shabwah, Abyan, and Aden, military commanders, police chiefs, and the Security Belt Forces leadership.

The blockade is causing a potential fuel crisis in Aden, impacting essential services and threatening price increases.