This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/int/news/-/news/world-middle-east-13574277
The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| Yemen: Air strikes 'target tribal fighters' | Yemen: Air strikes 'target tribal fighters' |
| (40 minutes later) | |
| Government forces have carried out air strikes against tribal forces opposed to President Ali Abdullah Saleh, tribesmen say. | Government forces have carried out air strikes against tribal forces opposed to President Ali Abdullah Saleh, tribesmen say. |
| They said air force planes struck an area in Naham province, outside the capital, Sanaa, leaving an unknown number of dead and injured. | They said air force planes struck an area in Naham province, outside the capital, Sanaa, leaving an unknown number of dead and injured. |
| Government and tribal forces have been battling each other for days. | Government and tribal forces have been battling each other for days. |
| Supporters of the government and the opposition have both called for large demonstrations later on Friday. | Supporters of the government and the opposition have both called for large demonstrations later on Friday. |
| President Saleh has faced a wave of popular protests similar to those seen in other Arab countries, as well as a mounting challenge from a rival clan. | President Saleh has faced a wave of popular protests similar to those seen in other Arab countries, as well as a mounting challenge from a rival clan. |
| Since Monday, more than 80 people have been killed in fighting between fighters loyal to Sheikh Sadiq al-Ahmar, head of the Hashid tribal federation, and security forces. | |
| 'Peaceful Revolution' | |
| The air strikes reported in Naham province, north-east of Sanaa, appear to mark a further escalation in recent fighting. | The air strikes reported in Naham province, north-east of Sanaa, appear to mark a further escalation in recent fighting. |
| One tribal leader, Sheikh Ali Saif, told the Associated Press that his forces had taken control of a Republican Guard camp in Naham to try to prevent government forces from travelling to the capital to fight tribal gunmen. | |
| Meanwhile, fighting also flared in the southern city of Zinjibar when dozens of armed militants believed to be linked to al-Qaeda stormed the city, attacking security forces, residents told Reuters news agency. | |
| President Saleh has repeatedly refused to sign a deal that would see him transfer power within a month to a unity government. | |
| It would also give the president immunity from prosecution. | |
| Friday prayers have been a traditional rallying point for protesters calling for Mr Saleh to step down. | |
| Anti-government protesters used Facebook and text messages this week to call for a "Friday of Peaceful Revolution". | |
| One message said the rally "is to stress the peacefulness of the revolution and rejection of efforts to drag the country into a civil war". | |
| Saleh supporters were planning their own "Friday of Law and Order" rally. | |
| A text message said their rally would "condemn the crimes against our rights and the rebellion against the country". | |
| During recent fighting in the capital, hundreds of residents have fled or taken refuge in basements to escape the mortar strikes. | |
| On Friday, the leaders of the G8 group of wealthy nations issued a communique calling on Mr Saleh to stick to his commitment to end his 33-year rule. | |
| "We condemn the use of violence in response to peaceful protest throughout Yemen," the statement read. | |
| "We urge President Saleh to immediately follow through on his commitments and ensure that the legitimate aspirations of the Yemeni people are addressed." |