Sa’ada escalation takes a new turn [Archives:2006/918/Front Page]
SA'ADA, Feb. 5 ) Confrontations continued across Sa'ada between army and Believing Youth groups headed by cleric Badradeen Al-Houthi.
Tribal and media sources said last week's death toll reached 60 from both sides.
Sa'ada sources said military operations expanded to Sahar, Kitaf and Baqim districts, leading to dozens of deaths and injuries. Military forces now surround approximately 250 insurgents thought to be responsible for attacking military patrols.
According to sources, a large number of forces have been shelling the Hajarat Fula area near Al-Talh for several days in an effort to purge entrenched insurgents. Confrontations also continued in Kitaf and Baqim.
Confrontations took a new turn when Al-Houthi followers used military vehicles to attack army and police posts in Sa'ada, a military source told Ray news network Saturday, Feb. 4. Several Al-Houthi followers in military uniform attacked a military post killing a number of soldiers and seizing arms and vehicles at the post. The source said soldiers were surprised by the vehicle, which they mistook for one of their own, when the attackers jumped out and began firing. Military officials confirmed that the seized vehicles were used in other operations.
Al-Motoon residents in Al-Jawf near Sa'ada said military helicopters bombarded a mountainous area in the district where Al-Houthi insurgents are thought to be hiding.
Authorities reportedly warned local residents to keep away from the areas, following escalating confrontations there.
These developments followed a governmental committee's failed mediations led by Al-Baidha governor Yahia Al-Shami.
A committee source told media, “The committee came to an agreement with Al-Houthi followers based on four points, summed up as: a general pardon, release of detainees, compensation for losses and ending voiced slogans and chants against America and Israel in governorate and district capitals. However, they may continue doing it in Al-Houthi villages.”
MP Yahia Al-Houthi confirmed in a letter to the Yemen Times that he and Al-Houthi the father are ready to negotiate an end to armed confrontations. The father ordered his followers to stop the “Death to America! Death to Israel!” slogans, if they are the reason behind continued military action.
Military authorities are imposing a media ban in Sa'ada and Al-Jawf. Journalists are prohibited from traveling to conflict areas to report on residents' circumstances. Civil and security officials also are prohibited from making any statements. According to journalists, if anyone dares to release any information, he will lose his job.
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