Hundreds protest in Yemen's Hadramout for 2nd day over prolonged power outages

29/7/2025 19:29

For a second day, hundreds of protesters flooded the streets of Mukalla, capital of southeastern Yemen's Hadramout province, over prolonged daily power outages exceeding 15 hours, residents and security sources said Tuesday.



The demonstrations, which began Monday, have paralyzed the coastal city, with protesters blocking major roads, burning tires, and halting traffic. They also sealed off Mukalla's main eastern entrance, preventing the movement of vehicles and trucks.



Protesters roamed the streets chanting anti-government slogans, while residents reported an absence of security forces in protest-hit areas.



In a major escalation, demonstrators temporarily shut the main gate of Mukalla Port and blocked access to the Hadramout local government headquarters and other state facilities. A port official said dock operations continued despite the brief closure.



Hadramout authorities announced Sunday that power stations were gradually shutting down due to fuel shortages, with many generators now out of service.



Mukalla's power crisis reflects broader infrastructure breakdowns in Yemen, where years of conflict between government forces and the Houthis have crippled essential services nationwide.