Yemen: At least two people killed, several injured in shootings during protest in Aden Aug. 3

At least two people were killed and several others injured in shooting incidents during a protest that is taking place in the area of the Aden Parade Square in Aden's Khormaksar District as of evening Aug. 3; the purpose of the demonstration is to show support for a pro-Saudi coalition military commander who had been abducted in mid-June. Activists proceeded with holding the event in defiance of a ban placed on the gathering by security officials. One demonstrator was shot and killed, with several others being wounded in reported clashes with security forces. Additionally, a soldier was killed in an exchange of gunfire as a group of protesters attempted to bypass a checkpoint in Khormaksar. The demonstration has reportedly drawn large crowds despite authorities having closed key access routes in an effort to prevent activists from assembling.

Heightened security and transport disruptions will likely continue across across Khormaksar District through the early hours of Aug. 4. Security forces may attempt to forcibly disperse additional demonstrators in the affected areas. Further violent confrontations, potentially including shootings, are possible.