DOZENS KILLED IN FIGHTING NORTH OF SANAA
Sanaa, Yaman, 11 Dzulqa’dah 1435/6 Sepetember 2014 (MINA) – At least 50 people have been killed in fighting betwen Yemeni troops and Houthi opposition in north of Sanaa, as supporters of the Shia group continue to rally against the government in the capital.
Al Jazeera reporting from Sanaa, quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as saying that the deadly clashes have been ongoing in the province of Jawf over the last few days, in what is seen as a crucial fight for both groups.
At least 20 of the victims killed were from the army and armed pro-government groups, while 30 were from the Houthi side.
“Both are fighting to control a strategic junction on the main road that link the capital to Jawf and Maarib provinces,” he said.
“Whoever makes gains there will consolidate its presence in the area, and also control a main road that lead to the capital Sanaa.”
Analysts said the armed opposition are trying to establish themselves as the dominant political force in the northern highlands, where Shia are the majority community.
The Arab League affirmed on Thursday its commitment to backing Yemen’s unity, stability and power transition while urging all factions including the Houthi rebels to avoid escalation and to respond positively to the national solution initiative in order to put an end to the current crisis.
‘Psychological warfare’
Hundreds of thousands of people rallied in Sanaa on Friday in support of the beleaguered government, as a large number of its opponents held a counter-demonstration vowing to intensify their protests until the cabinet resigns.
The opposition called for further action against the government, who they accuse of corruption and whose resignation they have been demanding.
Protesters called for an escalation of the situation, and a senior member of the Houthis politburo called for “civil disobedience” and urged supporters to join in new protests on Sunday and Monday to keep up the pressure on the government.
As protesters step up pressure for the government to resign, Ahelbarra said that the Houthis and their supporters have threatened to block roads leading to the capital, and move closer to the airport.
“They are waging some sort of psychological warfare. It’s quite tense tense here,” he said.
Yemen has been locked in a protracted transition since long-time president Ali Abdullah Saleh was forced from power in February 2012 after a deadly 11-month uprising. (T/P001/P3)
Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)
