(CNN) Yemeni separatists have taken control of the strategic city of Aden after days of fighting with forces backing the internationally recognized government.

A spokesperson for the Southern Transitional Council (STC) told CNN the group took over the city including its presidential palace, port and airport. Aden has been the seat of the Saudi-backed government since Houthi fighters took over Sanaa in 2014

"We are not inside the presidential compound, which is on an island, but we have secured its entrances and exits," Nizar Haytham, the STC spokesperson, told CNN.

CNN wasn't able to verify the claims. However, the interior minister of the country's internationally recognized government conceded a defeat in what he called a "successful coup."

"The successful coup destroyed what's left of this country's sovereignty," Ahmed Al-Maysary said in a video circulated on social media.

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