Yemen’s ruling and opposition parties have continued to make progress in implementing the terms of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) deal. Progress has not been made in quelling the unrest outside of the capital, however.

Clashes broke out in Sa’ada governorate between al Houthi rebels and Salafist fighters. A statement released by Abdul Malik al Houthi claimed that Salafist fighters attacked al Houthi rebels in Damaj, killing three of them. Abdul Malik al Houthi warned that these “unprovoked attacks are unjustified and are aimed at igniting a sectarian war in the country.”

Fighting between al Qaeda-linked militants and the Yemeni military continued in Abyan governorate. Al Qaeda-linked militants ambushed pro-government tribesmen in Zinjibar, injuring two of them. Yemeni government forces responded by shelling militant-held positions near Zinjibar Monday, killing four of them.

Shelling occurred in al Hasaba district in Sana’a Tuesday and Wednesday. A spokesman for Yemen’s Interior Ministry accused Hashid opposition tribesmen of firing shells at loyalist troop positions; at least one shell struck Yemen’s Cabinet building. A spokesman for Hashid tribal confederation leader Sheikh Sadiq al Ahmar denied responsibility and reported that shells fired from the Interior Ministry landed near Sheikh Sadiq al Ahmar’s residence. A local reported that one civilian was killed and four others injured by government shells.

President Ali Abdullah Saleh issued a presidential decree appointing Abdul Hadi Hussein al Hamdani Secretary General of the Presidency. The National Council of Peaceful Revolution Forces denounced the decree. Supporters of the youth movement have remained in Tagheer (Change) Square in Sana’a to continue to protest against the government. Yemeni interim Prime Minister Mohammed Salam Basendwah announced the formation of a new government under the auspices of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) deal, which the youth movement has rejected.