Violent clashes erupted between factions of the Southern Transitional Council (STC), killing five and injuring 11 others in Crater district in Aden.
Local authorities described the events as confrontations to eliminate "terrorist groups."0
Witnesses told Asharq Al-Awsat that houses, shops, and cars were damaged during the clashes.
Informed sources said that the clashes were between forces affiliated with the security forces in Aden backed by the "storm forces" against troops affiliated with Imam al-Nubi and all forces affiliated with the Transitional Council.
Sources revealed that the clashes erupted as gunmen affiliated with Nubi stormed the Crater Police Station to release one of their detained members. They also kidnapped the deputy head of the investigation department Lieutenant Awad al-Sayed to an unknown destination.
The police department issued a statement, accusing individuals affiliated with al-Nubi of closing all entrances and exits of Crater Police station with armored vehicles.
Prime Minister Maeen Abdulmalik returned to the temporary capital of Aden last week, where he resides with several ministers in the presidential palace in Crater.
The Security Committee in Aden, headed by Governor Ahmed Lamlas, issued a statement asking residents of Crater to remain in their homes.
The statement said Aden's "security and counter-terrorism forces are clearing the city from some terrorist groups and outlaws."
The Security Committee in Aden will not tolerate any party that tries to harm the city's security and its citizens, the statement said.
It also accused those groups of seeking to destabilize the country's security and stability, using heavy and medium weapons.
The statement said that the committee asserted its aim to protect private and public properties that have been subject to looting during the past days at the hands of these groups bringing chaos and sabotage into the city.
Governor Lammas said in statements carried by al-Ghad Channel that the security committee will maintain the security and stability of citizens, pointing out that "outlawed armed groups" are dealt with firmly to ensure the safety of the citizens.
He asserted that the area would be completely secured, noting that there is no need to worry.
"We hope the people of Aden will be of assistance and support to the security forces."
Observers believe that stability will not be achieved in the city until the implementation of security and military articles of the Riyadh Agreement.
