Eight people dead after militant attack in northern Yemen

Eight people dead after militant attack in northern Yemen

2011-04-23 06:47:35 GMT+7 (ICT)

MAREB, YEMEN (BNO NEWS) -- At least eight people on Friday were killed after militants attacked a military complex in northern Yemen, the Yemen Post reported.

The violent clashes took place in the northern Mareb province between Yemen's Republican Guard forces and gunmen with ties to the terrorist organization al-Qaeda, which has a strong presence in the region.

Six military vehicles were damaged in the attack; three of them were completely destroyed. Four Yemeni soldiers and four militants were killed and several more injured.

The fierce battle between the Republican Guard and the rebels, members of the Jahm tribe, extended to the Sana'a-Mareb road where the tribesmen managed to seize four tanks and ammunition from the security forces.

On Thursday, armed insurgents killed five members of the Republican Guard forces in the southern Lahj province. Two militants were killed and four more injured in the retaliation fire.

The attackers were members of the southern rebel group "Sro Himyar Brigade." The organization gained notoriety after claiming kidnapping and killing security forces members. Last year, the group admitted the murder of 10 law agents.

In February, the country has endured many anti-government protests which often result in clashes with security forces. It is estimated that about 100 people has been killed. Protesters have said that only the immediate ouster of President Ali Abdullah Saleh will put an end to the demonstrations.

On Thursday, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) presented President Saleh a proposal to end the country's crisis which includes hsi resignation within 30 days on the condition of immunity. Saleh had earlier said he would not leave power until his term ends in 2013, but he has pledged not to seek his reelection or hand over power to his son.

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