Clashes erupted in southern Yemen on Friday after an
explosive device targeted separatist militants, a security source
said.
The blast targeted a vehicle carrying militants affiliated with the
Southern Transitional Council (STC) in Dar Saad area, in Aden
province, leaving several killed and injured, the source told dpa.
Dar Saad is located north of Aden city, the provincial capital.
Through their mouthpiece, the Amaaq News Agency, Islamic State said
that a booby-trapped Motorcycle had exploded in Dar Saad, killing and
wounding nine members of the Security Belt Forces.
Following the blast, unknown gunmen believed to members of a
pro-government militia attacked other separatists in the same area,
leading to exchange of fire between the two sides, he added.
There has been a cautious calm in Aden city since the STC forces
regained control of it on Thursday, according to residents.
The STC and its allied UAE-backed Security Belt forces are seeking
the secession of southern Yemen.
Both the STC and Security Belt forces are part of a Saudi-led
coalition, fighting the Iran-linked Houthi rebels who control the
capital Sana'a and other areas in northern and western Yemen.
However, tensions are increasing between the Yemeni government and
the UAE, a key player in the coalition, but also a supporter of the
Security Belt forces.
Saudi Arabia has been leading a military alliance fighting the
Houthis since March 2015, months after the rebels took over Sana'a
and began to advance towards Aden, which has served as the temporary
seat of government.
Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom is set to visit the Gulf
region in a bid to shore up support for a political settlement in
Yemen, the ministry said Friday.
Wallstrom will visit Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman and
Jordan from August 31 to September 4 for meetings with her
counterparts as well as representatives for Yemen's government and
the UN, a statement read.
Sweden in December hosted UN-sponsored talks between Yemen's
government and the Houthi rebels, resulting in an agreement on
withdrawal of forces from the western port city of Hodeida, a truce
and prisoner exchange that has not been fully implemented.
"We stood host and contributed in different ways, and I think we have
a great deal of trust with the parties and we feel that it is our
responsibility to try to ensure that this agreement is implemented,"
Wallstrom told Swedish Radio news ahead of the visit.
Sweden also planned to host a meeting on Yemen on the sidelines of
the upcoming UN General Assembly in New York next month.
The western coastal province of Hodeida is of strategic importance
because of its main port, which is the entry point for some 80 per
cent of Yemen's imports and aid.
Yemeni fighters inspect burnt out armoured vehicles reportedly belonging to pro-government troops following yesterday's air strikes on Yemen's interim capital Aden.