At least 120 people were killed in the latest clashes between Yemeni government forces and between Shi’ite Muslim Houthi rebels in northern Yemen.
According to media reports, around 100 Houthis rebels and 20 Yemeni government soldiers in a fierce battle.
The Yemeni forces used warplanes to attack the positions held by the rebels near the provincial capital of Amran.
The fighting ended on Monday evening after a ceasefire was agreed. No clashes have been reported on Tuesday.
The Houthis have been launching uprisings over the past 10 years. The rebels are earnestly fighting for autonomy in northern Yemen.
Earlier this year, the rebels attacked Amran that led 150 civilians dead.
US Condemns the Violence In Amran
In a press statement in Washington DC,
Department Spokesperson Psaki said the United States Government strongly condemns the violence that occurred in Amran over the past week that has resulted in the loss of lives.
“We offer our condolences to the victims and their families.” -Ms. Psaki
She highlighted that the latest fighting has led to the additional displacement of civilians from their homes.
The US government urged the Houthis to immediately stop all armed activity and halt their advance towards Sana’a.
In addition, Ms. Psaki commended the Government of Yemen’s efforts to stop the armed conflict and to negotiate a peaceful reconciliation among all parties.
“We urge all parties to respect the sovereignty of the Yemeni government and recognize its authority in political and security matters.” – Ms. Psaki
Concerns About Yemen Increasing
Yemen is increasingly a source of concern for the United States and other Western countries, as the mixing of civil discontent and regional actors makes it vulnerable to terror groups such as al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) and the Shi’ite Houthi rebels.
In addition to fighting an ongoing civil war with the secessionist Houthis, the country has become a breeding ground for AQAP.
AQAP has been behind attacks on Yemeni soil and has used the country as a launching pad for terror attacks elsewhere.
In addition to the terror threat and domestic instability, Yemen faces poverty and severe oil and water shortages.
In February 2012, Yemen’s new President Abbed Rabbo Mansour al-Hadi took his oath of office in parliament, formally removing Ali Abdullah Saleh from power after 33 years.
Vice President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi ran in the uncontested race, a deal brokered by the Gulf Cooperation Council to neutralize the conflict engulfing the country.
It is estimated that the recent political turmoil in Yemen, part of a wave of protests across the Middle East and North Africa calling for social, economic and democratic reforms, has led to more than 82 deaths and hundreds of injuries.
