Sanaa, Feb 16 (IANS/EFE): Separatist militants in southern Yemen have taken control of several government buildings in the port city of Aden, security sources told Efe news agency Monday.

The so-called South Popular Committees Sunday took over the government television building and the secret service headquarters, located in the city's al-Tauahi district, after heavy fighting with security forces.

The separatists also occupied the main power station near al-Hesua, the town hall, in the district of Dar Saad, plus a security post located east of Aden, the country's biggest port.

According to sources, at least three separatists and two policemen were killed in the clashes.

Local residents told Efe that they heard explosions and gunfire in several areas of Aden early Monday.

The takeover of government institutions in the city is the first strategic move made by the South Popular Committees, which is considered loyal to Abdo Rabu Mansour Hadi, the former president of the country who resigned in January.

The president has been held under house arrest in the capital Sanaa by the Shia Houthi movement since he and his government resigned Jan 22 after the Houthi rebels occupied the presidential palace and other facilities.