ISTANBUL

A Yemeni political bloc warned that any escalation outside the framework of the law in the interim capital Aden in the south of the country threatens prospects for the political solutions needed to end the crisis, according to Yemen’s official Saba News Agency.

The statement was issued by the national bloc of political parties and signed by 22 parties and political components, the news agency reported late Friday.

The bloc expressed regret over the “rioting incidents” that took place in Aden on Thursday evening, which led to injuries and caused panic among citizens and children in nearby civilian facilities.

It stressed that “the right to peaceful expression is constitutionally guaranteed,” emphasizing that any escalation outside the law does not serve Aden or its residents’ causes, but rather “threatens the political remedies required at this sensitive stage.”

It also expressed appreciation for what it described as Saudi Arabia’s “generous support” aimed at normalizing conditions, enhancing services, and alleviating the hardships Aden has endured in recent years.

The bloc condemned the role of “parties” — without naming them — behind hostile acts against state institutions, accusing them of attempting to undermine recent improvements and drag Aden back into chaos in a manner that serves only opponents of stability.

It said the only safe path to addressing outstanding issues, foremost among them the southern issue, is “comprehensive southern–southern dialogue, away from chaos and illegitimate pressure tools.”

Among the signatories were the General People's Congress, the Yemeni Congregation for Reform, the Yemeni Socialist Party, the Nasserist Unionist People's Organization, and the Al-Rashad Union.

Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council said Friday that people were killed and injured following unrest it described as attempts to target state institutions in Aden, a day after the newly formed government convened its first meeting there.

Aden’s security committee said armed groups had gathered near the Al-Maashiq Presidential Palace and attempted to storm it, while also confronting security forces.

According to the presidential source, security forces responded to the escalation with “maximum restraint,” dispersing gatherings that sought to block roads and disrupt public order, while “safeguarding sovereign facilities in line with the law.”

On Feb. 6, the Presidential Leadership Council announced the formation of a new government headed by Shaya al-Zindani, who also holds the foreign affairs portfolio.

The Cabinet followed weeks of consultations in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, aimed at easing tensions between the internationally recognized government and the Southern Transitional Council, and reaching a consensual framework for the next phase.

* Writing by Rania Abushamala in Istanbul.