Clashes in Aden to escalate into major military confrontations: Bin Daghr

ADEN, Jan. 28 (YPA) – Saudi-backed chairman of the government of resigned president Abd Rabbo Mansour Hadi on Sunday said the clashes in Aden are escalating into all-out military confrontations, local media sources cited Ahmed Obaid Bin Daghr as saying.

He said the United Arab Emirates-backed separatist fighters have taken over government facilities and set up security checkpoints across the city, accusing the UAE-backed militias to attempt a coup against exiled Hadi’s government.

Earlier the day, the southern movement called its armed supporters to deploy to Aden, in a statement obtained by Yemen Press Agency.

The movement loyal to the United Arab Emirates ordered its supports to move to defeat Saudi-backed militants of Islah Party (Muslim Brotherhood) and militias of General Tareq Mohamed Abdullah Saleh, the nephew of slain ex-president Ali Abdullah Saleh.

The rival Yemeni parties are vying to control the power in the port city.

The militants of Islah party and General Tareq are loyal to Riyadh-based exiled, resigned president Abd Rabbo Mansour Hadi.

The tensions came amid fierce street clashes that erupted earlier the day and still ongoing between the rival forces.

Sunday ongoing clashes have so far killed and wounded at least 50 people, including civilians, according to medics.

NS/Zak