The right to defend south is duty of Yemen army: President al-Sammad

SANAA , Jan . 29 (YPA) – President Saleh al-Sammad on Monday said that the right to defend the country’s south is the duty of the Yemeni army.

The president’s remarks came during a meeting with the Defense Ministry’s senior officials and officers here in the capital Sanaa.

“The ongoing clashes in the southern port city of Aden between rival militants loyal to Saudi and United Arab Emirates occupation forces are part of the Saudi-Led coalition conspiracy,” Mr. president said, adding that the coalition’s plot aimed to weaken the local forces.

Earlier the day, fierce clashes between Saudi-backed militias loyal to resigned president Abd Rabbu Hadi and UAE-backed southern separatist transitional council escalated in Aden.

The clashes first erupted on Sunday, killing so far 12 people, wounding more than 130 others and paralyzing the city.

THEKRA-Bam