The head of the Southern Transitional Council’s (STC) self-administration committee, Ahmed Bin Buraik, called on traders, expatriates and people of means to support the “war effort to defend Aden and the South” against government forces. 

In a speech, broadcast by STC media, he also called on Yemen’s Central Bank to remain neutral and to pay the salaries of fighters on time. 

Bin Buraik is a former governor of Hadhramout governorate and, after his dismissal, joined the UAE-backed STC. 

"There is a special account that we will announce to help our brave soldiers," he added. 

Bin Buraik also spoke of the disease outbreaks currently ravaging Aden, and asked residents to be patient and cooperate with the measures implemented to help counter the spread of coronavirus, such as adhering to curfews and not attending large gatherings. He also called on doctors to “come to their senses” and return to work.

Doctors in Aden, which the government-run national committee for coronavirus  has declared an “infested city,” say they do not have adequate personal protection equipment (PPE) such as gloves, gowns and masks to keep them safe. Amongst the dozens of confirmed infections and deaths is a sizable and growing number of health care staff.

At least three hospitals in Aden shut down, citing a lack of PPE and trained staff. 

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Editing by Ahlam Mohsen and Casey Coombs