Sana'a: A senior security officer and a soldier were killed and two injured when gunmen believed to be secessionists opened fire on a car carrying government officials in Al Dhale'e , south of Yemen, government sources said on Friday.
The gunmen made an ambush in the Al Azarek area, killing Major Ali Al Halimi, director of criminal investigations in Al Dhale'e, and the soldier Mohammad Muhsin Jawhar.
The attack also injured Ahmad Hassan Nasher, director of agriculture in Al Dhale'e, and the soldier Mohammad Saleh Hamoud, the sources said.
The deputy governor of Al Dhale'e, Lahsoon Saleh Musleh said "separatists, saboteurs and outlaws were behind the cowardly criminal act, and that security forces are hunting them down and will bring them to justice."
Al Dhale'e is one of three southern governorates (Al Dhale'e, Abyan, and Lahj) where disgruntled groups have been calling for separation of the south because of alleged political and social marginalization.
Dozens were killed and injured over the last three years in clashes between these restive groups, who call themselves, the southern peaceful movement, and the security forces who call them outlaws.
Many of these groups take to the streets for anti-government demonstrations with their personal arms.
