Yemen: Clashes Begin within the Military

Yemeni civilians have fled due to clashes between the army and militants suspected to be close to al-Qaeda in Abyan, a southern province, after the capital Zinjibar fell to militants last month.  On Sunday, at least 12 militants and nine soldiers were killed in three clashes between Islamists and separatists.  Outside Zinjibar, 12 militants and two soldiers were killed and five soldiers were killed in a separate attack near Zinjibar.

According to officials, Yemeni troops killed 12 suspected al-Qaeda militants near Zinjibar as they were planting roadside bombs.

Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council have tried mediating a peaceful resolution in Yemen, but efforts have thus far failed.