Clashes resumed in Zinjibar city of Abyan

ABYAN, June 24 (YPA) – Clashes between the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) militias and al-Islah militants resumed on Tuesday in Abyan province, hours after the coalition announced a ceasefire.

According to local sources in Abyan, al-Islah militants launched large-scale raids on Zinjibar through the Al-Taryah and Sheikh Salem axes from the right-side a and left-side of the city.

Al-Islah militants shelled with artillery and heavy machine guns on the outskirts of Zanzibar, causing residents to flee towards Aden, according to the sources,

The escalation comes hours after the coalition announced a comprehensive ceasefire in Abyan province, and both sides have welcomed the initiative.

However, sources considered it as indication of a violent escalation, as Riyadh had already announced similar steps in the occupied provinces of southern Yemen, ending in renewed confrontations.

Hours earlier, southern journalist Salah Lagbar confirmed in a tweet that there were phone calls between Nasser Hadi and Ahmed Al-Maisari. They addressed the Brotherhood forces in Shuqrah and al-Araqoub on Tuesday morning saying: There is no truce and no commitment to any ceasefire.

Today we will start strong attacks and a battle on the fronts, Nasser Hadi said, adding al-Maisari promised to pay a big tip to everyone if they take control over al-taryah area.

E.M