Two killed in violence in southern Yemen

Feb 9, 2012, 14:19 GMT

Sana'a - Two civilians were killed Thursday when insurgents attacked an election office in the Yemeni southern province of Al-Dhali, according to local media.

Clashes erupted between the attackers believed affiliated to the separatist Southern Movement and security guards, said Mareb Press website reported, citing local sources.

Five others were injured in the attack on the office, which belongs to the Higher Election Commission tasked with preparing for an early presidential election in Yemen, added the sources.

Southern Movement, pushing for the separation of southern Yemen, are calling for boycotting the election set for February 21.

On Saturday, two people were killed and dozens injured in fighting in the southern city of Aden between supporters and opponents of the poll.

After 33 years in power, outgoing President Ali Abdullah Saleh signed in November a United Nations-sponsored deal to step down in return for immunity from prosecution.

The parliament unanimously nominated Vice President Abd Rabbu Mansur Hadi as the sole presidential candidate for the polls amid hopes they will end a year of the unrest in the impoverished Arabian Peninsula country.