Despite the announcement of a ceasefire between the Yemeni government and the Southern Transitional Council, hit-and-run battles continued on Tuesday east of Abyan province, as the STC brought in reinforcements from Aden and Daleh.
The government has called on Security Belt units, loyal to the STC in Abyan, to comply with the legitimacy and to join their forces to prevent more bloodshed and keep stability in the province.
Battlefield sources told Asharq Al-Awsat on Tuesday that the National Army has reclaimed more southern areas, advancing from Shabwa province to the cities of Ahwar and Shuqrah.
The sources said the two sides engaged in fierce fighting over the control of Shuqrah city that lies along the coast of the Arabian Sea, after the two sides brought in military reinforcements.
The city of Zanzibar, the capital of Abyan, also witnessed unprecedented tension as STC forces geared up to confront the National Army, which is also setting the stage to control the province.
The sources said huge forces from the Yemeni Army, including the 5th Infantry Brigade, 115 Infantry, and Special Forces have advanced from two axes towards Zanzibar district to control it.
They said the forces have managed to control the Directorate of Ahwar.
On Monday, the Yemeni government declared a ceasefire with the STC in the country's southern regions.
While reports emerged on Tuesday that tribal mediators were exerting efforts to avoid a battle in Abyan, Yemen's deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Ahmed El-Meseery called on the Security Belt to join the government forces.
