Yemeni troops clash with tribesmen

Frequent confrontations took place in the two past days between the Yemeni government forces and tribesmen in Marib and al-Jawf provinces.

A high-ranking Yemeni official was quoted today as saying that the Yemeni Army has moved to clear the area of people who provoke fighting in the two provinces. Reinforcements were dispatched in search of persons who are wanted for arrest in several crimes.

Among these crimes are kidnapping of foreigners, undermining social security and peace and obstructing the efforts made by the government to implement economic reforms. Tribal leaders in Marib said confrontations have not ceased in the three weeks since a 40% increase was enacted by the government on the prices of oil and basic commodities.

In another development, chairman of the Yemeni Parliament, Sheikh Abdullah al-Ahmar, arrived in Havana on Sunday. The visit will last for five days. AFP said al-Ahmar will hold talks with ministers of health, investment, cooperation and foreign relations of the Cuban government.