Yemen rivals battle for 'coup-hit' Aden

At least nine people were killed and more than 130 wounded yesterday in heavy fighting between separatist forces and government troops as tanks battled in Yemen's interim capital of Aden, military sources said.

Five pro-separatist fighters were killed by snipers, while four soldiers died in clashes, the sources said, as both sides began using tanks and heavy artillery in a second day of fighting in the southern port city.

The flare-up comes following President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi's call for an immediate ceasefire on Sunday, when 15 people were killed and dozens wounded in clashes.

Forces from both sides were seen in most areas of the city, which remained totally paralysed for the second day running.

Universities, schools and shops were closed yesterday, an AFP photographer said.

The hostilities erupted early Sunday when pro-government troops prevented supporters of the separatist Southern Transitional Council from entering Aden where a rally was planned.

Aden has served as the headquarters of Hadi's Saudi-backed government since it was forced out of the capital Sanaa by Shia rebels three years ago.

The separatists -- who want the return of the independent South Yemen that existed before 1990 -- supported Hadi's forces against the rebels but tensions between the two sides have risen in recent months.

On Sunday, security sources said pro-separatist units trained and backed by the United Arab Emirates had taken over the government headquarters in Aden after clashes.