Friday, May 27, 2011

Yemeni Forces Bomb Position Seized by Tribesmen

Yemeni military jets have bombed a position that had been seized by opposition tribesmen on Friday.

Earlier Friday, tribal leaders who have been fighting government forces said they had taken over a military camp outside of Sana'a. The tribesmen say at least six people were killed in the clash. It is unclear, from initial reports, if the camp is the site that has been bombed.

Yemeni security forces have been battling loyalists to Sheikh Sadiq al-Ahmar, the leader of the Hashid tribe. The battles have become the most serious threat to President Ali Abdullah Saleh's grasp on power after three months of opposition protests.

Witnesses and activists say nearly 100 people have been killed in clashes between the two sides this week.

Also, tribal fighters loyal to Sheikh Abdul Majid al-Zindani - who is allied with the Al-Ahmar family and faces U.S. sanctions as a terrorist financier - have been fighting pro-government forces.

Meanwhile Friday, Yemeni opposition leaders are calling for a new round of anti-government protests. Supporters of President Saleh has also rallied after Friday prayers, in recent weeks.

In a separate development, India announced Friday that it is advising all of its nationals in Yemen to leave. The foreign ministry cited the escalating violence. About 11,000 people from India live in Yemen.

Saleh has refused to leave power after nearly 33 years of authoritarian rule.

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