The war of words between the Yemeni government and the Southern Transitional Council (STC) escalated to real-time clashes in the cities of Shaqra and Zinjibar in the Abyan governorate. Field reports indicate that deaths and injuries were incurred by both sides.

These developments came after southern separatists, who are effectively in control of the city of Aden, declared about two weeks ago a state of emergency in areas of their control. The STC accuses the internationally recognized Yemeni government of corruption.

Field sources said that government forces received reinforcements in Shaqra city prior to launching an attack on STC positions in Zinjibar, which is located 15 kilometers away and is Abyan governorate’s largest city.

Yemeni authorities gave no details on the results of the attack.

Meanwhile, STC leader Aidarus al-Zoubaidi, in a televised speech, called on STC to declare war against what he described as Islah Party militias and terrorist forces who control the government.