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Arabia
Fired generalÂ’s troops force Yemen airport shutdown
2012-04-08
SANAA: The airport in YemenÂ’s capital was shut down on Saturday after forces loyal to a sacked general close to former president Ali Abdullah Saleh surrounded it and threatened to shoot down planes, an airport official said.
Is Yemen becoming the new Somalia?
“No aircraft has taken off or landed since these forces made their threat late on Friday,” said the official, adding that the troops surrounding the airport were backed by members of the Hamdan tribe that supports former strongman Saleh.

Another official told AFP nine international and seven domestic departing flights had been cancelled, while three incoming Yemenia Airways flights were diverted to the main southern city Aden.

The airport has been encircled by forces loyal to air force chief General Muhammad Saleh al-Ahmar, SalehÂ’s half brother, who has refused to step down after being sacked by President Abdrabuh Mansur Hadi, the source said. Ahmar has refused to go unless the defence minister and other senior officials also leave, a military source said.

In addition to Ahmar, Hadi also sacked on Friday SalehÂ’ nephew, General Tareq Muhammad Abdullah Saleh, who heads the presidential guard.
Posted by:Steve White

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