ADEN, Yemen, March 23 (Xinhua) -- At least three protesters were killed when Yemeni security forces attempted to break up a demonstration in the southern port city of Aden on Saturday, residents told Xinhua.
One of the local residents who asked to remain anonymous said that security forces loyal to Yemen's government carried out an anti-terror operation and raided a number of houses in Buraigah district of Aden province.
The Aden-based local resident said that the security forces arrested two gunmen during the anti-terror operation that occurred in the early hours on Saturday.
He explained that scores of people from the same region came out in protests denouncing the arrest of two gunmen from their district, and cut off one of the main roads with rocks and burning tyres.
The security forces backed by armored vehicles strengthened presence in the area, and attempted to disperse the protest by force, sparking clashes with armed elements who were participating in the protests, according to the local residents.
The residents in Buraigah district confirmed that three people were shot dead by security forces, and others were wounded.
The southern port city of Aden, where the Saudi-backed Yemeni government has been based since 2015, is considered as Yemen's temporary capital.
The Yemeni government, allied with the Saudi-led Arab military coalition, has been battling Iran-backed Shiite Houthi rebels for control of the country for more than three years.
