Yemen: US withdraws diplomats as fighting gets worse

It is estimated that more than 70 people have died during three days of violent clashes between Yemen's Hashid tribe fighters and security troops. President Ali Abdullah Saleh has once again refused to resign despite increasingly violent protests.

The clashes began in Sana'a's northern region, near the home of tribal leader Sheikh Sadeq Al-Ahmar. Former supporter of Saleh, Sheikh Ahmar joined protests against his rule in March. The fighting, which reportedly lasted over six hours, also involved machine-guns, grenades and tanks.

In view of the speedily deteriorating situation in the country, the US has ordered all its embassy staff to leave Yemen immediately. The US State Department released a stamen, saying: "The security threat level in Yemen is extremely high due to terrorist activities and civil unrest. There is on-going civil unrest throughout the country and large-scale protests in major cities… US citizens currently in Yemen should depart while commercial transportation is available."

The situation in Yemen seems to be escalating; many fear the prospect of a civil war. Saleh, however, remains defiant refusing to step down. Discussions about the on-going crisis in the country and arrangements for Saleh's departure broke down on Wednesday 18th May, when the president once again refused to sign the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) mediated deal which would have allowed him to leave office in exchange for immunity from prosecution.

On Wednesday 25th May, US President Barack Obama said Saleh should "move immediately on his commitment to transfer power". UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon added that he was "deeply troubled" by the violence and called on all sides to find a peaceful solution.

Sources: BBC News, The Guardian, CNN

For more news and expert analysis about Yemen, please see Yemen Focus.

Yemen: Hashid tribe clashes with security forces

Yemeni officials have said that three people have been killed and 25 injured during violent clashes between security forces and members of the country's powerful Hashid tribe in Sana'a.

The clashes occurred in the capital's northern region, near the home of tribal leader Sheikh Sadeq Al-Ahmar. Former supporter of President Abdullah Saleh, Sheikh Ahmar joined protests against his rule in March. The fighting, which reportedly lasted over six hours, also involved machine-guns, grenades and tanks.

The Associated Press news agency reported that security forces and tribesmen traded fire with guns and rocket propelled grenades outside the country's interior ministry. Some witnesses reported that Yemeni Airlines offices were set on fire.

According to Yemeni officials, two tribal fighters were killed, as well as one civilian, and 25 others wounded. A spokesman for Sheikh Ahmar said the security forces attempted to raid the Hashid leader's residence and were subsequently fought-off by the tribesmen.

The violence, most ferocious since the popular uprising began, comes several days after Saleh's refusal to sign a Gulf-brokered transition deal for the third time. As a result, the Gulf Co-operation Council suspended the initiative citing "a lack of suitable conditions".

The EU voiced its concern over Saleh's "repeated failure" to keep his promise, while US President Barack Obama said: "President Saleh needs to follow through on his commitment to transfer power.''

The deal, which would have allowed Saleh to step-down in exchange for immunity from prosecution, was reportedly rebuffed by the president because of immense international pressure. France called Saleh's move "irresponsible".

Sources: BBC News, The Associated Press, AFP

For more news and expert analysis about Yemen, please see Yemen Focus.