ADEN, Yemen, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- At least two army soldiers were killed by secessionist gunmen in Yemen's southern province of al-Dhalea on Wednesday, a security official told Xinhua.
The two soldiers were gunned down by militants riding a motorcycle near a public market in central al-Dhalea province, the local official said on condition of anonymity.
"Currently an investigation into the armed attack is underway. Initial information shows the gunmen were linked to a secessionist group," the security source said.
The government authorities have blamed an armed faction of the pro-secession Southern Movement for similar attacks this year that have killed many senior military and intelligence officials.
North and South Yemen unified peacefully in 1990, but their relationship deteriorated in 1994. Calls for separation in the country's southern regions were renewed in 2007, as southerners have complained of being marginalized.
Pro-secession protests have multiplied in the south amid a worsening economic situation in Yemen.
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