In Yemen, shells have hit the presidential compound in the capital, Sanaa as pitched battles continued between government forces and armed tribesmen. There are conflicting reports about the attack with agency reports quoting Al Arabiya TV saying that Yemen's President Ali Abdullah Saleh was injured in the attack. Reports also said that the prime minister and speaker of parliament were injured and four of president’s guards killed after the presidential palace was hit by shells on Friday.Denying media reports, the official Yemen News Agency-SABA – quoting an official source at the Presidency has said that President Ali Abdullah Saleh is in good health and the reports have no basis of truth. It added that the President will issue a statement to the Yemeni people soon.Meanwhile, fighting between government forces and militia of dissident tribal chief Sheikh Sadiq al-Ahmar continues in capital Sana sending thousands of residents fleeing.Reports say that more than 60 people have been killed in the fighting since a fragile truce collapsed on 31st May. Government troops are engaged in street battles with opposition tribesmen for control of crucial areas in the capital.The Indian Embassy in capital Sana has established a 24-hour helpline for Indians in Yemen. The helpline telephone number is 00967-711880938 and the email is helpline@eoisanaa.com .The Indian government has already advised Indian nationals living in the country to leave the country. The advisory also said that Indian nationals are advised not to venture out except under absolutely unavoidable circumstances.
News On AIR | June 3, 2011 9:19 PM
Shelling by rebels hit presidential palace in Yamen