Sabaa province in southern Yemen declared Saturday it's separation from the central government in Sana'a, following the example of Aden and Hadramawt provinces, marking the first threat of division to Yemen, after the seizure of the Capital Sana'a by Houthi rebels. Leaders of the southern movement announced earlier the separation of southeast provinces. Tribal troops were deployed to the borders and checkpoints were established, in response to the resignation of Yemeni president Abdrabbuh Hadi and his PM Khaled Bahah. Tens of thousands have reportedly protested Saturday in Sana'a what they called a military coup on the legitimate president, after besieging the presidential palace and putting state officials under house arrest, according to Reuters. Former minister of interior, Abdu Al Tarb called on Gond and Sabaa provinces to join the southern separatists, describing the Houthi troops in Azaal as a "military occupation". Al Tarb urged the formation of a military council led by the current defense minister General Mahmoud to deal with the latest escalations on the ground. Houthi rebels seized the capital Sana'a Tuesday after presidential guards surrendered their weapons amid fierce clashes with the rebels.
