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Calls for mediation in Sa'ada amid more violence
[Yemen Post] While the Houthis (Shiite tribal group based in the northern province of Sa'ada organized politically under the name Ansar Allah) have managed despite reports of heavy losses, both in men and in territories, to further advance against Salafi bully boyz throughout Yemen's highlands, tribal leaders and officials in the capital, Sana'a are said to be working on a ceasefire agreement.Such renewed calls for calm came amid a net escalation in violence in Sa'ada. Resident confirmed on Monday that the Houthis went kaboom!a Salafi Mosque in Sa'ada as part of a clean-up operation against all things Salafi in the region. Witnesses to the Mosque attack told the local press, Houthi ...a Zaidi Shia insurgent group operating in Yemen. They have also been referred to as the Believing Youth. Hussein Badreddin al-Houthi is said to be the spiritual leader of the group and most of the military leaders are his relatives. The Yemeni government has accused the Houthis of having ties to the Iranian government, which wouldn't suprise most of us. The group has managed to gain control over all of Saada Governorate and parts of Amran, Al Jawf and Hajjah Governorates. Its slogan is "God is Great, Death to America", Death to Israel, a curse on the Jews" ... bully boyz rank-sacked the building prior to positioning their explosives, taking away foodstuffs, windows, and furniture. Although it is almost impossible for media to access Sa'ada and thus confirm independently allegations and verify claims made from either party, it is quite clear that what initially started out as a tribal spat has moved far beyond what could be deemed reasonable, even by Yemeni standards. After two months of escalating tensions and bloodshed, Sa'ada cisis could very well bury any hope for political reconciliation as two of Yemen's political heavyweight settle out their differences. So far, and despite the set-up by President Abdo Rabbo Mansour Hadi of a negotiating committee, no government action so far secured a truce, however brief. But with tensions flaring up in southern Yemen, many political and security experts have warned that Sana'a cannot afford to have so many open fronts at a time when it should be concentrated in implementing institutional changes. As ever, Yemen's future remains clouded in darkness and uncertainty. Posted by: Fred 2014-01-02 |
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