Yemen's Shabwah revolts against Muslim Brotherhood

The governor of Yemen's oil-rich province of Shabwa announced the launch of a military campaign to crack down on rebellious troops linked with the Muslim Brotherhood-affiliated Islah party on Wednesday.

In a statement, governor Awad bin Al Wazir Al Awlaki said the operation would target Special Security Forces and other troops from the Attaq military axis who have revolted against local authorities after "exhausting all peaceful options".

"Based on our responsibilities towards our people and legitimate and lawful mandates, we announce that we began a military campaign to impose security and stability in the province and save the lives and properties of the residents in Shabwa," Mr Awlaki's statement said.

The governor's move is backed by the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC). It comes after clashes that began on Monday among Shabwa Defense Forces loyal to the governor and Al Islah. 

The pro-government troops that drove the rebels out of Attaq carried on the offensive, tracking the rebellious elements in the rural areas between Marib and Shabwa, a military source said. 

Clashes between the pro-government Shabwa Defense Forces and the security and military divisions loyal to the Muslim Brotherhood group erupted early this week following a decision made by the governor to remove the commander of the Special Security Forces, Gen Abd Rabu Lakab, who rejected the governor's decision.