By Laura Zuber
Impunity Watch Reporter, Middle East

SA’ADA, Yemen – In northern Yemen, fighting between the Yemeni military and Shiite rebels broke a six-month old ceasefire.  According to a government official, fighting was renewed after rebels attacked military camps in the nearby Marran mountains.  The military responded with ground and air strikes on villages in Saada province, a stronghold for rebel activity.  However, rebel leader, Abdulmalik al-Houthi, denied official allegations and stated that the military struck first.  As a result of the renewed violence dozens of people have been killed in the past week; including 18 rebels and 29 Yemeni military and pro-army tribal fighters.

Earlier, al-Houthi warned the government to honor the terms of the ceasefire and complained of constant government discrimination and campaign of harassment.  While, al-Houthi stated that he was concerned about bloodshed, he added that they must defend themselves “against any assaults by the army.”  Currently, both sides are preparing for what al-Houthi called the “fifth war.”

In June 2007, the Yemeni government and the Houthi rebels signed a cease-fire agreement, which was brokered by Qatar.  In the agreement, the government promised to free detainees, compensate victims, and to rebuild villages affected by the war.  In return, the rebels agreed to turn in their weapons and expel al-Houthi from the country.  However, both sides accuse the other of not fulfilling their obligations.

For more information, please see:
Yemen Post – Sa’ada 5th War Ruptures; 47 Killed So Far – 14 January 2008

Associated Press – 30 Killed in Renewed Fighting in Yemen – 11 January 2008

Yemen Times – Sa’ada Crisis Worsens Amid Threats of Violence – 6 January 2008