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| Arabia |
| Yemen army aims to "save" civilians from rebels |
| 2009-08-16 |
| [Al Arabiya Latest] The Yemeni army said on Saturday on the fifth day of its latest offensive against Shiite rebels that its aim was to "save" civilians from the insurgents. The military also denied claims by the Zaidi rebels that it was using white phosphorous munitions in its campaign. A spokesman said on the website of the defense ministry newspaper September 26 that the objective of the operation in the mountainous northern province of Saada is to "protect citizens and their property from the aggression, pillage and destruction carried out by criminal elements." He gave no details on any operations on Saturday, a day after at least two soldiers and 16 rebels were reported killed. The rebels have accused government forces of killing dozens of civilians in bombardments and of using white phosphorous, which international law bans for use against non-combatants because it causes severe burns. "The government does not possess phosphorous weapons," the spokesman said in response. Truce rejected On Thursday, the government offered terms for ending its offensive. These included the rebels evacuating all government offices they have occupied, handing in ammunition and equipment and freeing their prisoners. These conditions were dismissed by the rebels, who charge that it is the army and not their side that has been responsible for death and suffering among civilians. They also accuse the government of failing to respect a June 2007 ceasefire intended to end a conflict which has left thousands dead since it first erupted in 2004. Officials say the rebels want to restore a form of clerical rule, the Zaidi imamate prevalent in Yemen until 1962. The rebels say they are defending their villages against government oppression. According to the governor of Saada Hassan al-Manna, around 17,000 families have been displaced from their homes during the past five days. |
| Posted by:Fred |