Death toll in Crater clashes rises to 8

ADEN\, Oct. 03 (YPA) –  Death toll in the infighting between factions loyal to the UAE-backed  Southern Transitional Council (STC)’s  militias in the  Yemen’s southern port city, has risen to eight and 60 others wounded,  including civilians and media persons.

This was reported by Yemen News Portal , based on local sources.

Sources said that the clashes between Imam al-Nawbi forces and a security campaign composed of anti-terrorism forces, the security belt and the storm brigade in the city of Crater .

The sources confirmed the death of journalist Khaled Askar due to  injuries he sustained , and his colleague Howed Al-Kaldi was wounded.

The commander of the 13th Brigade thunderbolt of the STC Ali Al-Nawbi, Imam’s brother to be the second family member killed  in the confrontations, while his brother “ Awad” commander in the fifth support brigade, was killed  in mysterious circumstances, especially that his injuries were not that fetal.

The sources pointed to several houses and cars belonging to the  citizens  were burned, in addition to suspension of movement in the city.

Video footage and photos circulated on social media platforms revealed the extent of the tension and the intensity of the battles taking place in Crater District between the pro-Saudi government.

The footage showed the arrival of military reinforcements to the city of Crater while the fight between the STC militias and the forces of the so-called Imam al-Nawbi continues.

The STC , backed by the UAE, declared the Crater district a war zone, calling on the residents of the district to abide by their homes.

Crater city has been witnessing power outage and water shortage due to damage to power cables and water supply during the confrontations.

Bakeries closed their doors except for few owners , who took advantage of the events in raising the price of  to 50 riyals and reducing its size.

E.M