Street fighting between pro-government forces and opposition tribesmen raged in and around the Yemeni capital, Sana'a, for a fourth straight day Thursday, leaving dozens of people dead and threatening to push the impoverished Gulf nation into all-out civil war.
Witnesses reported heavy shelling and loud explosions as battles continued between the Hashid clan – Yemen's most powerful tribal confederation – and more heavily armed pro-government forces.
Many residents fled the fighting by car on Wednesday. Others who attempted to enter the city were stopped by elite, pro-government Republican Guard troops who manned checkpoints blocking all roads leading into Sana'a.Electricity is intermittent and the Sana'a airport is closed.
At least 69 people have been killed in the fighting since Monday – including soldiers, tribesmen and civilians.Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh blamed the fighting on the chief of his own tribe, Sheikh Sadiq al-Ahmar, who is allied with an opposition movement seeking the president's immediate ouster. The Ahmars lead the Hashid confederation.
Ahmar's fighters have taken control of several government buildings, including the offices of the state news agency, Saba, and the trade and tourism ministries.
Mr. Saleh again ruled out a voluntary exit and condemned U.S.-backed efforts to negotiate his departure after nearly 33 years of authoritarian rule. He told the Reuters news agency Wednesday that he does not take foreign orders."
Thousands of protesters again marched through the capital, not far from the clashes, calling on Mr. Saleh to step down.
In London, U.S. President Barack Obama said he is concerned about the deteriorating situation in Yemen. Speaking with British Prime Minister David Cameron, Mr. Obama said the U.S. and Britain call on Mr. Saleh to act immediately on his commitment to transfer power.