Bystander killed in south Yemen clashes between military and protesters demanding independence

ADEN, Yemen – Security and health officials say a bystander has been shot dead in clashes in southern Yemen between protesters and the military.

Officials say the military was firing in the air Tuesday to prevent protesters from blocking roads in the city of el-Mansoura in Aden. Witnesses say they also saw unidentified gunmen in the area shooting from an unmarked car.

Four protesters were killed last week in similar protests.

The protesters want independence for their region. The south and north were united in 1990.

Officials say that in another southern province, Hadramawt, a person wounded by gunfire on Friday has died, bringing the death toll from that day to two. Protesters there are also calling for secession.

All officials spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations.