Soviets reported building new center in S. Yemen

The Soviet Union is building a new military command center and missile bases in Marxist South Yemen, according to the Times of Oman. Oman is a pro-Western state which has no diplomatic relations with South Yemen.

The center near the South Yemen capital of Aden, would replace the existing Soviet joint headquarters now at Khormaksar civil and military airport in Aden.

Besides beefing up its air and naval facilities, the Soviet Union is installing missile bases in several Aden suburbs, according to diplomatic sources in Aden.

A new military area is being established on the Aden coast, and the Soviet base on Perim Island, at the mouth of the Red Sea, is to be expanded.

Oman waged a war until five years ago with Aden-backed leftist guerrillas.