2 killed in riots after killing of a top tribal leader in southern Yemen
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Security officials in Yemen say thousands of rioters in a southern province attacked shops owned by northerners, forced police officers to flee their stations and held a general strike to protest the killing of a prominent tribal leader.
Friday's riots erupted after tribal leaders called for an "uprising" and a general strike in Mukalla, the provincial capital of Hadramawt.
Officials say the leaders called for expelling police and soldiers and to take control of government agencies and local municipalities.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to journalists.
The violence follows the killing of Sheik Saad bin Habriesh on Dec. 2 at a military checkpoint, along with two others authorities described as al-Qaida-linked suspects. The killings sparked anger among tribes.