Separatists in southern Yemen have declared self-rule, breaking a peace deal signed in November with the internationally recognised government, according to the BBC.
The report said the Aden-based Southern Transitional Council (STC) declared a state of emergency, saying it would govern the port city and other southern provinces.
The Saudi-backed Yemeni government warned of ‘dangerous and catastrophic consequences.’ The STC is supported by the United Arab Emirates.
Yemen’s Foreign Minister Mohammed Al-Hadhrami said in a statement: ‘The announcement by the so-called transitional council of its intention to establish a southern administration is a resumption of its armed insurgency… and an announcement of its rejection and complete withdrawal from the Riyadh agreement.’
The war in Yemen has been described as the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, with more than 100 000 people reported to have died.
The two sides had signed a power-sharing deal described by the United Nations as an important step towards ending Yemen’s civil war, but the STC’s unilateral declaration suggests the conflict will continue.
[Picture: AlMahra, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=76909446]