ADEN, Yemen, June 13 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's Southern Transitional Council (STC) on Tuesday issued a strongly worded statement criticizing the internationally-recognized government for causing the current economic woes.

In the statement issued following a meeting of its members in the southern port city of Aden, the STC accused the government of "rampant corruption, fiscal mismanagement, and driving the country to the brink of bankruptcy."

"The government has exhausted Yemen's finances through corruption and mismanagement, further impoverishing citizens as the country grapples with the economic crisis and years-long conflict," said the statement.

In a show of support to the STC, Ahmed Lamlas, the governor of Aden, decided to halt the transfer of the city's revenues into the government's account in the Aden-based central bank.

A Yemeni government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, expressed concern over the call, warning that "such actions have the potential to deepen the economic crisis in Yemen."

Last month, the Yemeni government said it was facing financing difficulties following a drop in public revenues caused by Houthi attacks on oil exporting ports.

During a previous cabinet meeting held in Aden, the government said the Houthi attacks have caused losses estimated at 1 billion U.S. dollars.

Yemen has been embroiled in a devastating civil war since 2014, with the Houthi rebels fighting against the internationally-recognized government and its allies. Enditem

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