San’a: One protester has died and four others wounded during fierce clashes with the military in the country’s south.

Yemen’s government have been trying hard to quell rioting for four days, as youths and retired officers protest over unfulfilled promises to incorporate them into the army.

Eyewitnesses say some 5,000 demonstrators staged a fresh protest march in the southern province of Dhalae, according to an official. Rioters hurled stones at troops, who responded by shooting into the air and firing tear gas.

Earlier, officials said five people believed to have incited the riots were arrested on Tuesday.


The search continues for 13 more people that authorities believe were behind the two-day riots, which caused damage to private and public properties in the southern provinces of Al Dhale'e and Lahj. The 18 people will be put on trial, sources told Gulf News.

Deployment

Security deployment supported by tanks and armoured vehicles were seen on the streets of Al Dhale'e and Al Habeeleen in Lahj to prevent any more demonstrations after the arrests, local sources said.

The heavy security deployment in the two cities discouraged many people from taking to the streets for more demonstrations, sources said.

Prominent politicians who have been calling for secession of the south were arrested. Some of the arrests took place by storming the homes of the political leaders. Sources believe, the arrests were upon orders from the National Defence Council, a supreme panel chaired by President Ali Abdullah Saleh.