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Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh has made no new concessions and has reiterated his support for the ongoing negotiations to end the political crisis. Meanwhile, opposition tribesmen attacked Yemeni forces east of the capital and al Qaeda-linked militants still control territory in the south.
President Ali Abdullah Saleh gave a statement reaffirming his commitment to a transition deal. Saleh did not, however, promise to step down immediately nor transfer broader powers to his deputy, Vice President Abdul Rab Mansour al Hadi. Two weeks ago, Saleh delegated authority to negotiate and sign the transition deal to Hadi.
Opposition tribesmen east of Sana’a overran a Republican Guard base in Nihm. The tribesmen killed the 63rd brigade’s commander, General Abdullah Ahmed al Kulaibi, according to the Yemeni defense ministry. Officials reported that the tribesmen captured 30 soldiers before reinforcements arrived. At least four tribesmen were killed and 27 others injured.
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.