BLOODY CLASHES CONTINUE BETWEEN ROYG AND SHIA

C O N F I D E N T I A L SANAA 001936

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/08/2014
TAGS: KISL PGOV PINR PREL PTER COUNTER TERRORISM
SUBJECT: BLOODY CLASHES CONTINUE BETWEEN ROYG AND SHIA
REBEL AL-HOUTHI

Classified By: Charge d'Affairs Nabeel Khoury; reasons 1.5 (b) and (d).


1. (C) EMBASSY sources contradict press accounts that ROYG
forces encircled extremist Shi'ite leader Hussein al-Houthi
in the northern region of Marran on August 5. Rather it
seems fighting has intensified in the past few days and
continues to be particularly bloody for the ROYG.


2. (C) Local press quoted Ministry of Defense sources
saying ROYG forces controlled the Jabal al-Hakimi area where
al-Houthi and his aides were reportedly holed-up. Despite
high casualties, failed cease-fires, and rising concerns over
sectarian strife and tribal intervention, the ROYG maintains
that the conflict will soon be resolved positively. Press
accounts cite low casualty numbers and repeatedly talk of
mediation efforts.


3. (C) Comment: The ROYG's optimistic portrayal of events
is likely designed to mask the Central Government's
difficulties in quelling al-Houthi's rebellion. Prolonged
large scale fighting and reported tribal discontent could
threaten Saleh's careful balance between tribal and political
interests in the Sa'da region. End Comment.
KHOURY