At least 12 people were killed a little before sunset this Friday as a group of revolutionaries demanding the fall of the regime clashed with southern secessionist supporters in Mukallah, a town of the eastern province of Hadramaut.

Witnesses reported that the 2 anti-regime protesters' group came head to head in a demonstration organized in remembrance of October 15th, 1963 which marked the beginning of South Yemen armed struggle against the British invader.

As the secessionists were carrying the southern flag, men loyal to the Opposition started to argue, one telling the other that such behavior was non-patriotic.
As insults were exchanged, eye witnesses reported that stones were suddenly seen being hurled at both parties, leading to the injury of at least 12 people.
Almost immediately, shopkeepers in the vicinity of the clashes decided to close shop, wary that the incident would be followed by yet more violence. Imams also used their influence on the population, urging from their microphones all parties to remain calm and civilized, advocating that violence only led to more violence.
Men from the Security Forces also moved in on the groups, firing tear gas directly at the protesters. Guns shots were also fired in the air to disperse both the revolutionaries and secessionists.

It is the first time since the beginning of Yemen's popular uprising that revolutionaries and secessionists are openly venting out their disagreement, highlighting not only the profound dissensions between the 2 groups but also the real desire of a great portion of the southern population to return to an independent state, free from the northern yoke.