Death toll rises as Yemeni clashes continue

[News_Editor]

Death toll rises as Yemeni clashes continue

2011-05-27 01:00:06 GMT+7 (ICT)

SANAA, YEMEN (BNO NEWS) -- More than 50 people were killed and scores were injured overnight as clashes between security forces and Hashed tribes continue, the head of office for sheikh Sadiq Al-Ahmer said on Thursday.

The Yemen Post reported that clashes continued for more than eight hours near Sana'a International Airport, leaving 110 injured. The government has not yet announced its casualties from soldiers.

Sheikh Sadiq Al-Ahmer, whose tribal supporters have been fighting the government forces in Yemen's capital Sana'a, said he is ready for a ceasefire if President Saleh accepts to do so. Meanwhile, Saleh has ordered his arrest.

More than 70 people have been killed in the clashes since Monday, triggering fears of a civil war. Loyalists of Yemeni opposition leader Sadiq Al-Ahmer continued their attacks on government buildings as security forces continue attacking the residence of the powerful Hashid tribe leader.

Meanwhile, President Saleh continues to cling to power and ignore calls urging him to leave and start a peaceful power transfer immediately. In a news conference on Wednesday, he said the forces are fighting saboteurs and destructive elements who are killing the forces and taking over public compounds including ministries.

Earlier on Thursday, the United States and Britain ordered nonessential embassy staff to leave the country.

"We have been warning British Nationals to leave Yemen for months. It is now apparent that, should violence in Yemen become more widespread, it would be extremely difficult for the British Government to assist its nationals in Yemen in reaching safety," Foreign Secretary William Hague said. 

"I therefore reiterate our clear advice that British Nationals should not remain there and instead should leave Yemen immediately while commercial flights are still operating. I cannot stress this too strongly."

The clashes came hours after Saleh threatened with civil war after refusing, for the third time, to sign a power transfer deal brokered by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) last Sunday.

The opposition signed the deal on Saturday to end the country's political crisis but Saleh told visiting GCC Secretary General Abdul Latif Al-Zayani his refusal to the transition deal. The GCC-proposed plan included guarantees that Saleh will not be prosecuted after his resignation within 30 days from the acceptance date. It also called for holding presidential elections within two months from the date of Saleh's departure as well as the establishment of a new government within 90 days.

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