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At least 3 killed in armed clashes in Yemen's south

Xinhua, January 31, 2015 Adjust font size:

At least three people were killed and five others injured in armed conflicts between the armed forces and secessionist gunmen in Yemen's southern province of Lahj on Friday, a military official told Xinhua.

"Gunmen of the secessionist movement attacked two army battalions in Radfan area in Lahj's suburbs, sparking clashes that left about three people killed," the local military official said on condition of anonymity.

"The secessionist gunmen attempted to raid a number of military barracks in order to take control over the area," the military source said.

"Brief skirmishes took place later between the gunmen and soldiers there leaving three people killed and five others injured," the source added.

Meanwhile, unknown gunmen riding a motorbike opened fire from silenced weapons and shot dead a security officer in the same province, a police officer said.

Earlier in the day, leaders of the pro-secession Southern Movement pulled out from the UN-backed negotiations taking place in Yemen's capital Sanaa, according to a statement obtained by Xinhua.

"We officially announce withdrawing our delegates from the United Nations sponsored meeting in Sanaa and refuse dialogue at gunpoint," the statement said.

The impoverished Arab country has seen persistent unrest since 2011 when mass protests forced former President Ali Abdullash Saleh to step down.

President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi took over power in 2012, but submitted resignation to the parliament on Jan. 22 amid standoff with the Houthi group.

Yemen has since been facing growing secessionism, while the al-Qaida networks in the south and armed groups, including the powerful Houthi, in the north also contributed to the constant turmoil in the country. Enditem