YEMEN: Security Forces Lock Down Port of Aden

The port-city of Aden on Yemen's southern coast was closed today in an effort to clamp down on potential turmoil on the anniversary of Yemen's independence from British occupation in 1967. Security forces closed all entrances to the city and deployed hundreds of troops to patrol major streets. Demonstrations on 25 November in the Sadwa region's capital of Ataq left 6 dead; these demonstrations have encouraged Sana'a to prepare for the Independence day, which has sparked separatist activity in the past. This comes as Yemeni government is focused on the al-Houthi insurgency in the country's northwest region of Saada.