South Yemen Separatists Seize Two More Military Camps

Separatist forces move into Abyan Province

The Southern Transitional Council (STC) clearly have not changed their minds about plans to expand their control over South Yemen, having taking over the southern capital of Aden.

On Tuesday, the STC moved forces into the coastal Abyan Province, seizing a military camp near the provincial capital of Zinjibar and another further down the road. Heavy clashes were reported at al-Kawd camp, where there STC forced out 350 troops loyal to the Saudi-backed government.

Reports out of the area say four combatants, two on each side, were killed, and 23 others were wounded. Residents within Zinjibar report the separatists are also on the ground, inside the city.

The STC and its allies took over Aden over a week ago, and over the weekend returned a handful of buildings to the government. They have refused Saudi demands to surrender the territory, however, and have said they intend to liberate the whole of South Yemen.

Author: Jason Ditz

Jason Ditz is Senior Editor for Antiwar.com. He has 20 years of experience in foreign policy research and his work has appeared in The American Conservative, Responsible Statecraft, Forbes, Toronto Star, Minneapolis Star-Tribune, Providence Journal, Washington Times, and the Detroit Free Press.