DHAKA: Several cities in south Yemen were virtually paralysed on Saturday as an armed clash between southern militants and security forces wounded six people, witnesses and police said.

Schools and public offices were closed and shops shuttered on the second day of a protest movement over the killing of a tribal chief in a confrontation with the army.

Four Southern Movement militants and two policemen were wounded in an armed clash in Ataq, capital of Shabwa province, police said.

Security sources said the militants seized a rapid intervention force vehicle and police had to repel gunmen who briefly took over a telecommunications centre, reports The Straits Times.

BDST: 1932 HRS, DEC 21, 2013
Edited by Robab Rosan, Current Affairs Editor