ADEN: Yemeni security forces shot and killed one activist and wounded at least four other people yesterday during clashes with southern separatists who had blocked roads and attacked police, medics and witnesses said.

US-allied Yemen, thrown into political disarray in early 2011 when mass protests ousted long-time ruler Ali Abdullah Saleh, still faces frequent fighting between separatists and security forces.

Witnesses said yesterday’s clashes erupted in the southern port of Aden when protesters demanded the release of activists detained during fighting that killed six people on Feb. 21, the first anniversary of President Abdu Rabbo Mansour Hadi’s election.

They said the protesters, who had blocked roads and forced shops to close down, were also demanding security forces responsible for opening fire on demonstrators be put on trial.

Security forces who arrived at Saturday’s protest in the city’s Al-Mansoura district, opened fire at stone-throwing youths and armed men in the crowd, witnesses said.