Yemen’s crisis has extended beyond a political one as major cities, such as Taiz, experience regular violence. Reporting remains limited in Yemen due to the security situation.

Sporadic clashes between anti-government tribesmen and Yemeni government troops are ongoing in Taiz. Republican Guard troops and units from the 33rd brigade shelled surrounding villages. Fighting Tuesday night occurred along Jamal Street, near the center of the city. Anti-government protests continue in Taiz, demanding President Ali Abdullah Saleh’s resignation.

A suicide bomber in Aden killed a policeman and injured at least two others Tuesday. The attack targeted a police patrol in al Sakhrah roundabout in al Tawahi district.

Yemeni security services in Ibb governorate seized two vehicles transporting weapons to Taiz. The Ministry of Interior reported that 79 rocket-propelled grenades, three mortar shells, and 12.7mm modified weapons were being transported through Ibb to Taiz.

The ongoing political crisis in the capital has placed the Yemeni state at risk of a broader armed conflict. Further, the Yemeni state has been undergoing fragmentation. Al Qaeda has seized control of territory in south Yemen and the current situation has increased the organization’s operating space in the country.