ADEN, Feb 11 (NNN-YPA) – Five people were killed and several others injured, in intense clashes between Yemeni security forces and tribal gunmen, in the country’s oil-rich north-eastern province of Marib yesterday, a government official said.
“Following a dispute over oil supplies, armed confrontations are still ongoing between the security forces and tribal gunmen, in the neighbourhoods of the provincial capital, Marib, leaving five people killed and several others injured,” the local government official said.
Heavily-deployed tribal gunmen had started to block main roads to government institutions, in an effort to get oil derivatives to supply their gas stations, he said.
Government forces sought to reopen some blocked roads and protect the institutions, and heavy fighting with the gunmen ensued, in the strategic Yemeni city, he added.
Explosions were heard in the city and flames were seen rising in the area, local residents confirmed by phone.
The country’s government forces, backed by Saudi Arabia, control the province and frequently clash with the Houthi rebel militia, in areas near the capital city.– NNN-YPA
