ADEN, Aug 9 (NNN-YPA) – Deadly clashes erupted yesterday, between rival security units across various residential neighbourhoods of the Yemeni oil-rich province of Shabwa, a government official said.
Security units, loyal to the Muslim Brotherhood-affiliated Islah Party, launched an attack against rival security forces of the government in Ataq, the provincial capital, triggering intense street battles, the local government source said.
The ongoing street clashes in Shabwa left 18 people killed and more than 25 others injured, according to local medical sources.
“The infighting occurred, following the appointment of a new commander, to lead the special security units loyal to Islah,” the source said.
The local government authorised the deployment of army troops from the elite Giants Brigades to secure state institutions in the province, and confront the rebellion, according to the official.
Hours after the infighting, the Aden-based Presidential Leadership Council, held an extraordinary meeting, renewing its full support for the governor of Shabwa, and ordering the special security units to immediately stop the clashes.
The Yemeni council issued new decisions that included dismissing a number of security and military leaders, accused of organising a rebellion against the local authorities in Shabwa.– NNN-YPA
