Violent clashes erupted on Wednesday in Ataq, the administrative capital of Yemen’s oil-rich Shabwa province, leaving at least five people dead and 24 others injured, according to officials and local sources.

The fighting broke out after armed elements aligned with Saudi-backed forces stormed the province’s main administrative building, triggering hours of heavy gunfire and explosions across the city. Ataq was plunged into chaos as residents fled their homes amid fears of further escalation.

Ishraq al-Maqtari, the Minister of Legal Affairs in the pro-Riyadh Aden-based government, confirmed the casualty toll in a statement posted on X, saying that five people were killed and 24 wounded. He did not provide details regarding the identities or affiliations of those killed or injured.

Local sources reported that armed groups believed to be linked to the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) launched the assault, using medium and heavy weapons in an apparent attempt to seize control of the government compound. The attack reportedly targeted security personnel guarding the facility.

Eyewitnesses said military and security units stationed in the area responded swiftly to the assault, engaging the attackers and ultimately repelling them. Government forces later regained full control of the administrative building, securing the site after intense clashes.

While a fragile calm has returned to Ataq, residents remain shaken by the violence. Tension continues to grip the city following hours of fighting that disrupted daily life and spread panic among the population, underscoring the ongoing instability and rivalries among armed factions in southern Yemen. (ILKHA)