Sanaa, the capital of Yemen witnessed explosions and firings yesterday. The fight between the tribes seeking President Ali Abdullah Saleh and the president’s forces has been on for a week now. At least six people have been reportedly killed in the southern city of Taiz.

In another important development Islamic militants have taken a city in southern Yemen in their control. They even seized the army tanks there. The faction of army which has changed its side further called other units to follow their precedence to join the rebellion.

With this scenario, the almost 30 year rule of President Ali Abdullah seems to be in danger. The most danger threat comes from the splitting army itself. This is the first precedent in recent times in the Arab world that an army itself is serving the rebellion. Notably, the army of Egypt which spearheads the Arab revolution remained and remains completely indifferent to the mass- rebellion.

More than 200 people have been killed in the recent fights and demonstrations. The president owes his survival despite this much of opposition throughout the country to the military factions which comprise of his close relatives. These factions are directly serving the president in his security.

He has refused the third offer to sign a deal to leave the post last week. This he did for the third time since March.

The Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) that has Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain and UAE in it has recently suspended its deal for transition. The deal offered immunity to the President from prosecution in case he relents to quit.

Crisis Rising

The crisis for the president is on rise as one after other almost every component of the state machinery has been showing split over the rebellion. They include the ruling party, judiciary, ministers and the senior diplomats, leaving the army aside. Even the army is deployed by the ‘rebellious’army officers to protect the protesters.

A leader of the breakaway forces, Maj. Gen. Abdullah Ali Elewa, appealed on Sunday:”Stand side by side with the courageous armed forces, Republican Guards and security officers who endorsed the peaceful popular youthful revolution and announced their support to stand up to the tyrants and corrupt, and unjust”.

“Statement Number One” was signed by a breakaway faction of military. This format of naming statements is followed by the military and this is being used by the breakaway military officers who are from five divisions of Yemen’s military.
On the other hand the President is playing on another card but seemingly in vain: “We understand the demands of the youth revolution, but we ask them first to get rid of those corrupt, agent and traitor elements who defected from the military”.

Militants attack the town

Zinjibar, the town captured by the Islamic militants, faced attacks from the loyal factions of the army.

Eight civilians have been reported killed since Saturday there.

In the southern city of Taiz said rifles and water cannon were used on people to put them away. Doctors report 150 people were brought to hospitals.