Yemen: Clashes, Air Strikes And General Insecurity
By MISNA
Air strikes and fighting between rebels and government forces have continued over the past days in various regions of Yemen, including near the capital Sana’a. According to various local sources, armed groups attacked Republican Guard forces positioned in Arhab, around 30km north of Sana’a. The toll is uncertain, though the two days of fighting undoubtedly caused casualties.
Based on reports referred today by military sources, the Yemeni air force targeted the mountain area of Rahha, in the southern Lahj province. The air strikes were conducted in response to a rebel attack over the weekend.
The bordering provinces of Lahj and Abyan have for some time been theatre to fighting between government forces and fighters believed to be linked to al Qaeda, who for three months also maintained control of the main city of Abyan, Zinjibar. The general insecurity has caused thousands of civilians to flee. Abyan is also the region of origin of President Abdu Rabo Mansour Hadi, who last February replaced Ali Abdullah Saleh as part of a transition plan.
