Dozens dead in latest clashes between Yemen troops and northern rebels
By Ahmed Al-haj, APMonday, July 26, 2010
Army and rebels clash in north Yemen
SAN’A, Yemen — A Yemeni tribal leader says renewed clashes between Shiite rebels and army units just north of the capital San’a have killed dozens of people.
Last month a February ceasefire between the government and the northern Hawthi rebels fell apart threatening to reignite a six-year-old conflict that nearly turned into a regional war.
Fighting last week in the northern province of Amran killed at least 53 people and rebels have seized several towns.
Monday’s battles took place in the town al-Zalaa just 75 miles (120 kilometers) north of the capital and a key site on the way to the rebel stronghold in Saada.
The tribal leader described a heavy deployment of government troops, tanks and armored vehicles.
He spoke on the condition of anonymity because of security concerns.
