SHORT OUTBREAK OF FIGHTING IS SAADA

C O N F I D E N T I A L SANAA 000697

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/23/2015
TAGS: PREL PTER PINR YM DOMESTIC POLITICS COUNTER TERRORISM
SUBJECT: SHORT OUTBREAK OF FIGHTING IS SAADA

Classified By: CDA Nabeel Khoury for reasons 1.4 b and d.


1. (U) Fighting broke out between ROYG security forces and
members of the "Believing Youth" (Shabab al-Moumin) in the
northern city of Saada March 19. Four supporters of the late
anti-American Shi'ite Cleric al-Houthi were reportedly killed
while attempting to flee police after a shoot out at the Talh
weapons market. Official sources say the four were buying
arms for possible use against the government. Three other
rebels and a policeman were reportedly injured as well.

2(C) Minister of Interior Rashad al-Alimi told CDA March 20
that the immediate fighting was over, but that tensions
remain high because the dead were leaders in the Shabab
al-Moumin organization. Following the fatal shoot-out, Alimi
reported, small demonstrations erupted in Saada with
participants shouting anti-ROYG, anti-American, and
anti-Israeli slogans. The visit of an Embassy group was
canceled by the MOI as a result. Government security remains
tight and Alimi he would be keeping a close watch on the area
in the coming days and weeks.
Khoury