In Yemen, reports say that fighting between government forces and militia of dissident tribal chief Sheikh Sadiq al-Ahmar continues in capital Sana.At least 41 people are reported killed and dozens of others wounded in the past few days.Government troops are engaged in street battles with opposition tribesmen for control of crucial areas in the capital. The government of President Ali Abdullah Saleh accused fighters loyal to Sheikh al-Ahmar of breaking the truce while tribal militia leaders have said that Saleh's forces were to blame for violence.Apart from Sana, extremists are also consolidating their hold on the city of Zinjibar while in the southwestern city Taiz, anti-government demonstrators are still reeling from a crackdown by government forces.The Indian Embassy in capital Sana has established a helpline for Indians in Yemen. The helpline telephone number is 00967-711880938 and the email is helpline@eoisanaa.com. The Indian government has already issued an advisory to Indian nationals in Yemen on 27th of May. The advisory says that all Indian nationals living in the country are advised to exit the country. The advisory also said that Indian nationals are advised not to venture out except under absolutely unavoidable circumstances.The escalation of violence in Sana begun in second half of May after President Saleh's last minute withdrawal from signing a GCC mediated power transfer deal, which would have provided him immunity from prosecution.Apart from tribal militia uprising in Sana, Yemen is also facing a rebellion of ethnic Houthis in the north and a separatist's movement in the south.Analysts say that violence has amplified the danger of a humanitarian catastrophe, as it is the poorest country in the Arab world while continued turmoil could give the al Qaida a foothold to operate freely in the country.US and Saudi Arabia unsuccessfully tried to mediate a peaceful solution to the country’s crisis and increasing chaos has become a major concern for them.US has once again announced that President Obama’s top counterterrorism adviser John O. Brennan will travel to Saudi Arabia and the UAE this week to discuss the situation in Yemen.
News On AIR | June 2, 2011 7:33 PM
Fighting between government forces and militia of dissident tribal spread in Yemen