Huge explosions have been heard in Yemen's southern Dhale province triggering fierce clashes between security forces and armed gangs.
According to the News Yemen, some clashes are taking place at the Communication Authority near the checkpoint there.
Firing from various weapons from military camps particularly those at the suburbs and entries of Dhale were heard as well.
The government is tightening security in the province, one of the southern cities worst hit by rioting, saying all tough measures taken were aimed at hunting separatists and outlaws who disturb the public security and attack police and the people.
Among the recent measures taken was that the Communication Ministry ordered cell phone companies to cut their services in most of Dhale and other cities such as Lahj.
In the last few years, the south has been hit by rioting, violence and protests met by government crackdown amid separation bids by the secessionist movement and injustice claims by the people.