Flights to Aden in Yemen Have Been Halted

News agencies and networks report that following attacks and armed clashes near Aden International Airport in Yemen, flights to this city in the south of the country have been suspended. According to AFP on March 19, sources at Aden International Airport say incoming flights have been stopped and outgoing flights have been canceled. The agency reports that passengers who arrived at the airport early Wednesday have been asked to return to their point of origin due to clashes that began the night before. Al Arabiya news network also reports clashes between security forces loyal to former President Abdullah Saleh and the 'Popular Resistance Committee' supporting Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi. Sana'a, the capital of Yemen and some northern provinces of the country are generally under the control of Houthi Shiite rebels, while Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi, the President of Yemen, has gone to Aden in the south and declared himself the legitimate president. One passenger at the airport told AFP that they are unable to move to another location. According to this individual, armed men have cut off communications with the airport. The agency reports that the clashes began after one of the special forces commanders stationed units in the city of Aden, including near the airport. Abdul Hafiz Saqaf, this commander of Yemen's special forces, says he only receives orders from Sana'a. Following the deployment of Saqaf's units, members of the Popular Resistance Committee have engaged in clashes with them. Meanwhile, in Sana'a, the capital of the country, street protests against the Houthis who are in control continue with demonstrations and marches. Al Arabiya news network reports that on Wednesday, a senior Houthi official, a member of the 'Revolutionary Committee,' was shot dead by two armed men.