Female protesters demanding improved basic services in Aden faced suppression and beatings by batons from Southern Transitional Council (STC) female recruits on Saturday.

Local sources told Bran Press that the women, protesting for better electricity and other essential services at Al-Arood Square, were forcibly removed and had their phones confiscated by the recruits. These actions were reportedly ordered by Aden Police Director Brigadier General Mutahar Al-Shuaibi.

STC forces also arrested bystanders, including photographer Hussein Belhasib, who was covering the demonstration. 

Despite the crackdown, some protesters continued their demands in nearby streets.
The square had been cordoned off by STC forces to prevent the women's protest, part of ongoing demonstrations in Aden since May 10 over severe service deterioration, including over 20-hour daily electricity outages. On May 17, Aden's Security Committee had banned all public demonstrations.