UNITED NATIONS, Aug. 20 (Xinhua) -- The UN envoy for Yemen on Tuesday urged all stakeholders to take recent infighting around Aden, the government stronghold, as "a clear sign" that the country's long-running conflict must be brought to an end.
"A continuation of this current situation is simply untenable," said UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for Yemen Martin Griffiths to the Security Council through a video briefing from Amman, Jordan.
Griffiths was referring to a series of clashes in the port city this month between formerly-allied separatists and pro-government forces, which have led to dozens of civilian deaths and injuries of hundreds of others.
The UN envoy condemned "the unacceptable efforts by the Southern Transitional Council (STC) to take control of state institutions by force," using the formal name of the separatists.
He also deplored "the harassment of Yemenis of northern origin in Aden, such as through physical violence, forced displacement and denial of freedom of movement, including targeting of government officials and supporters."
Flagging that state institutions "almost certainly may break down further," which would worsen daily life for many, Griffiths warned of "a grave risk of further damage to Yemen's social fabric and the spread of violence to other southern governorates."
He warned about a possible resurgence of violence involving extremist groups that might further fragment the security sector in Aden and other areas, which impacts civilians and prospects for future stability.
Citing Aden and Abyan, the special envoy said, "The fragmentation of Yemen is becoming a stronger and more pressing threat," which is making peace-process efforts "more urgent than ever."
On Tuesday, forces belonging to the STC seized a government military base in the southern province of Abyan.
Earlier in the day, large-scale clashes broke out between the STC military units and Yemeni government forces over the control of Zinjibar, Abyan's capital city.
Key social figures, who are trying to mediate, suggested the handover of the government's military bases to the STC peacefully to avoid armed confrontations and violence, according to local sources.
The STC forces completely seized the strategic southern port city of Aden earlier this month, following days of intense street fighting with the government forces.
Considered as Yemen's temporary capital, Aden is where the Saudi-backed Yemeni government has based itself since 2015.
The impoverished Arab country has been locked in a civil war since late 2014, when the Houthis overran much of the country and seized all northern provinces including the capital Sanaa.
