Following repeated calls from al-Harak - Southern Secessionist Movement - residents in Brega, a suburb of Aden (southern seaport and former capital of South Yemen) reported all access to the city had been barricaded by separatists militants and all activities brough to a halt.
In Mansoura and Sheikh Othman, districts of Aden, residents said militants cut down the roads with burning tires, urging all southerners to join in the fight against the central government.
A school teacher in Sheikh Othman who had to stay home by fear of violence said tensions were palpable in the air. "With all this talk of secession and armed struggle how can we not be worry. All we want really is to get on with our lives and the state to provide a safe future for our children with equal opportunities, " said Aneesa.
Aziza Kulaib in Crater said the streets were now abuzz with Yemen coming National Dialogue Conference (due to kick off on March 18th) with Haraki militants arguing what future lied ahead for the country.
"It is quite clear something will have to happen, whether secession or federalism, but something has to give, we cannot live under continual fear. Yemen as a country needs to move forward."
Hassan an Egyptian national working as an electrician engineer for a local company told the Yemen Post security measures had been hiked up throughout the city, with armored vehicles stationed at many checkpoints and the presence of fully geared security personnel.
With only 12 days to go before Yemen National Conference security officials in Sana'a, the capital confirmed President Abdo Rabbo Mansour Hadi was determined to remain in control of the situation and prevent any new spike in violence.
In the provinces of Lahj and Hadhramawt separatists also organized streets blockades, calling citizens to exert pressure on officials for the release of all southern political prisoners.
Yahia Ghalib Shuaibi, a Haraki leader, told the press on Wednesday the calls for civil disobedience were prompted by the arrests of southern leaders and raids against their homes by the government.