Residents in Sana'a, the Yemeni capital reported on Tuesday unusual army
tanks movements at all of the capital exit and entry points as well as the
presence of countless security check points all throughout; leading many to
believe "something was either about to happen or was meant to happen."
Mohammed al-Bogheti, a member of the General People's Congress told the
Yemen Post on Tuesday afternoon that Hadda - southern district of Sana'a -
had been zeroed in by the military with checkpoints every few meters. "You
don't usually see soldiers in full combat gear unless the army issued a red
alert ... Given recent rumors General Ali Mohsen al-Ahmar [Army Chief of the
1st Armored Division] is planning to move against President Abdo Rabbo
Mansour Hadi, I assumed the brewing storm is about to unleash on us."
Although the day went by rather peacefully, some minor clashes were reported
in Hasaba - northern district of the capital under the control of Sheikh
Sadiq al-Ahmar, senior leader of al-Islah, Yemen Sunni political faction -
opposing tribal elements and the Central Security Forces. One passer-by was
injured in the shoot out and taken to hospital said witnesses.
Rumors of a "coup" have been rife over the past few days, with many
allegations General al-Ahmar and al-Ahmar's clan now stand united against
President Hadi, having decided that with former President Ali Abdullah Saleh
and his coterie out of the way it was time to move forward in the game and
seize power once and for all.
Of course such claims are so far mere conjectures, with both the
presidential palace and the General advocating that all is well in the land
of Queen Sheba. Nevertheless, with kidnapping on the increase and armed
stand-offs between tribesmen and the central government more frequent many
residents in the capital remain uneasy.
Mogib al-Kibsi, a Yemeni-British medical students following a family visit
in Sana'a after a year absence he witnessed first-hand how badly things have
become in the capital in terms of law and order. "One simply does not feel
safe ... While I would have been comfortable walking the streets late at
night with family and friends only 24 months ago I know make sure I stay
indoors. The risk of suicide attacks, thugs or tribal confrontations made me
nervous ... Yemen changes a lot and I don't feel the government is in
control of the situation. Injustice and brigandry is on the up, there is
denying it."
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Received on Wed Jan 09 2013 - 14:59:58 EST
