DUBAI — Forces loyal to Yemen's legitimate and internationally recognized government entered the interim capital Aden after it was seized by the Southern Transitional Council (STC) and recaptured a nearby province on Wednesday, officials said.

"The national army and security services reached at this moment the interim capital and begin to secure districts," Yemeni Information Minister Moammer Al-Eryani said on Twitter.

The main gate of the city's airport had also been secured, he added.

"Heroes of the national army and security agencies have retaken Zinjibar city, the capital of Abyan province, and complete their control over other districts of the province," Al-Eryani said.

Earlier in the week, government forces regained control of Shabwa province from southern separatists.

The STC is part of the Arab Coalition supporting the legitimate government in Yemen against the Iran-backed Houthis, however, recent events saw the council attempting to take control over Aden.

Yemen’s Interior Minister Ahmed Al-Maysari in a statement warned government forces not to take revenge against southerners. — Agencies