"Thousands took to the streets in Seiyun on Sunday in support of the Southern Transitional Council (STC), after the STC called the 'million-person victory rally' to celebrate 'the Southern Armed Forces victories in the Hadhramaut Valley and Desert.' Footage shows people with fags of the People's Democratic Republic of Yemen, while calling for an independent 'State of South Arabia'. Supporters can also be seen performing traditional dances alongside officials from STC. "We say to President [Aidarus] Abu Qasem Al Zoubaidi [of the STC]: Declare it a state. We, people of Hadhramaut, are with you wholeheartedly in all aspects," Head of Wadi bin Ali Transitional Council, Abdo Awadh Al Jabri said. Media commentator Mohammed Pawzir added: "All people of Hadhramaut stand united and brace for the declaration of their state. They accept nothing but independence and the declaration of the state." Seiyun's massive rally was preceded by a military operation conducted by STC forces a month ago, dubbed 'The Promising Future'. It said the objective was to "liberate the cities and regions of the Hadhramaut Valley and Desert from terrorist organisations and Muslim Brotherhood-aligned militias," and head east towards Al Mahrah Governorate. For its part, the Yemeni government condemned the actions, saying that 'unilateral security or military actions outside of constitutional frameworks or without co-ordination with the Presidential Leadership Council, the government, and local authorities, constitute a deplorable stress factor that overburdens the country during this sensitive period.""