Tweet
Yemeni residents in scores of cities and towns across the nation launched a civil disobedience campaign on Wednesday to bring down the country’s long-serving president, activists said. The campaign is the latest in Yemen’s uprising that started in early February, inspired by revolts across the Arab world. Massive near-daily protests have called for the ouster of President Ali Abdullah Saleh, the country’s ruler of 32 years.
According to Opposition activists, residents in at least 18 cities and towns got involved in the disobedience campaign, with shops and schools closed and Government offices shuttered.
Saleh has clung on to power despite the street protests and defections by many loyalist, including his tribesmen, military officers and ranking Government figures. More than 130 people have been killed by security forces and Saleh’s supporters since the unrest erupted.
Wednesday also saw deadly violence. In the southern port city of Aden, units of the Republican Guard clashed with anti-Government demonstrators who were marking the anniversary of the 1994 outbreak of Yemen’s civil war that saw Saleh’s army suppress an attempt by the southerners to secede.
According to Opposition activists, residents in at least 18 cities and towns got involved in the disobedience campaign, with shops and schools closed and Government offices shuttered.
Saleh has clung on to power despite the street protests and defections by many loyalist, including his tribesmen, military officers and ranking Government figures. More than 130 people have been killed by security forces and Saleh’s supporters since the unrest erupted.
Wednesday also saw deadly violence. In the southern port city of Aden, units of the Republican Guard clashed with anti-Government demonstrators who were marking the anniversary of the 1994 outbreak of Yemen’s civil war that saw Saleh’s army suppress an attempt by the southerners to secede.
