Yemen Shiite rebels overrun tribal strongholds
2/2/2014 10:57:40 AM
Shiite Huthi rebels have overrun strongholds of powerful tribes in northern Yemen, witnesses said Sunday, in a major advance following weeks of combat that have left scores dead.
The rebels have been pushing out from their stronghold in the mountains of the far north to other areas nearer the capital to expand their hoped-for autonomous unit in a promised federal Yemen, political sources say.
The Huthis seized the town of Huth and Khamri village -- the seat of the Hashid tribal chief, as tribal defense lines crumbled, local sources and witnesses said.
Tribal chief sheikh Hussein al-Ahmar ordered his fighters to evacuate his family's farm in Khamri and set it ablaze, witnesses said, adding that the tribesmen have retreated to neighboring areas.
Scores have been captured by the advancing rebels, they added.
The rebels have been pushing out from their stronghold in the mountains of the far north to other areas nearer the capital to expand their hoped-for autonomous unit in a promised federal Yemen, political sources say.
The Huthis seized the town of Huth and Khamri village -- the seat of the Hashid tribal chief, as tribal defense lines crumbled, local sources and witnesses said.
Tribal chief sheikh Hussein al-Ahmar ordered his fighters to evacuate his family's farm in Khamri and set it ablaze, witnesses said, adding that the tribesmen have retreated to neighboring areas.
Scores have been captured by the advancing rebels, they added.