Saleh forces clash with rivals in Sanaa: residents Wednesday, 23 November 2011 12:34

SANAA:  Forces loyal to President Ali Abdullah Saleh clashed Wednesday with dissident tribesmen in the Yemeni capital, residents said, while the veteran leader was in Riyadh to sign a power transfer deal.

 

The clashes broke out between gunmen loyal to dissident tribal chief Sheikh Sadiq al-Ahmar and pro-Saleh troops in Al-Hasaba district, while explosions were heard in the nearby neighbourhood of Sufan, residents there said.

 

No casualties were immediately reported in the violence that broke out hours after Saleh landed in Riyadh where he is scheduled to sign the Gulf-brokered power transfer deal.

 

Sanaa's northern district has been the site of sporadic clashes between both sides since May, when Saleh refused at the last minute to sign the Gulf Cooperation Council deal by which he would step down in return for immunity from prosecution.

 

Peaceful protests which began in January have degenerated into battles between rival army troops, security forces and protesters, and between security forces and tribesmen, leaving hundreds of people dead across the impoverished country. (AFP)