The Yemeni police forces clashed with a group of secessionist gunmen in southern province of al-Dhalea Thursday night, leaving at least three civilians injured, a local military official and medics told Xinhua.
The armed clashes broke out between the secessionist gunmen and police around the central prison and the courts in downtown al-Dhalea province, a day after three pro-secession activists were arrested by the security authorities there, the military official said on condition of anonymity.
"Those armed men apparently were attempting to storm the jail and free their arrested comrades by force, but they faced strong resistance from the police troops," the official said.
"The town is now calm after the clashes. Extra security forces are posted outside public buildings and central jails to foil any surprise attack," he added.
Medics at a government hospital said three injured civilians were sent there, including two children.
Members of the pro-secession Southern Movement could not immediately be reached for comment.
In the run-up to the upcoming National Dialogue Conference, set to be held next year in Yemen, secessionist gunmen in the troubled south have stepped up their armed activities in recent months.
The national dialogue, supported by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and permanent members of the UN Security Council, is boycotted by leaders of the separatist group.
Aden, capital of former South Yemen state, is a main stronghold of youth activists demanding outright independence for the southern regions.
Northern and southern parts of Yemen unified in 1990 under a deal between the People's General Congress and the Yemeni Socialist Party. However, the deal fell apart, which led to a crisis that turned into a civil war in 1994. - by PNA
Linkback:
https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=54086.0
