At least four people, two soldiers and two passers-by, were injured in Al-Habilian district, Lahj, in fierce clashes between police and armed gangs on Tuesday.

Eyewitnesses were quoted by the Alsahwa website that the casualties took place after policemen spread early today with civil uniforms and personal guns and clashed with armed gangs believed to be of the secessionist movement in the south.

Amid the clashes, armed forces stationing in the area intervened and randomly opened fire using artilleries and tanks causing a state of horror among the people, the sources said.

Homes and commercial shops were affected with some burned.

Some people including children survived being killed or injured when bullets just missed them.

The clashes were the fiercest ever in one of the districts worst hit by violence in recent years amid separation bids and injustices claims.

They also came as President Saleh paid a visit to Lahj and met with the provincial leadership and social figures and security and military leaders in Radfan.

He urged them to do their best to preserve the public security and bring outlaws into justice.