The forces of the legitimate Yemeni government entered on Wednesday the interim capital Aden and captured positions from the Southern Transitional Council separatists. "The national army and security services reached at this moment the interim capital and begin to secure districts," Yemeni Information Minister Moammar al-Eryani tweeted. The forces have "taken full control of the main gate of (Aden) airport,” he added. Earlier, the forces had captured Zinjibar, the capital of the southern Abyan province, from the separatists. A local source told the German news agency that masses of troops entered the city after fierce battles against the STC on Tuesday. Dozens of casualties from both sides were reported. The STC has withdrawn its forces from Zinjibar and pulled them back to Aden, said the source on condition of anonymity. The legitimate forces have since set up checkpoints and patrols throughout the city. Eryani hailed the army for capturing Zinjibar, saying it will continue to impose its control throughout Abyan. In a series of tweets, he said the military will continue to implement the orders of Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi in restoring security and stability throughout the liberated regions. They will also amass their troops to win the main fateful battle the Yemenis are waging against the Iran-backed Houthi militias, he added.