Protestors and soldiers dead as civil war looms in Yemen

Violent Crackdown in Yemen

At least 20 people have been killed today in Yemen as security forces opened fire on a camp in the city of Taiz but some activists are claiming the actual death toll is much higher.

Reports from the ground say that the soldiers tried to clear the area with water cannons, tear gas and sound bombs but then moved in with tanks and guns.

Brutal Assault by Security Forces

Tents used by the protestors were set on fire, according to witnesses, while others were bulldozed into the ground.

Meanwhile, reports are emerging that Yemeni warplanes have attacked the town of Zinjibar, which officials say is under Al Qaeda control.

President Ali Abdullah Saleh has warned Western powers that if he cedes power, the terrorist group could take root and grow throughout the Arab kingdom.

Crackdown Intensifies

Saleh’s crackdown on anti-government protestors seems to have escalated even further today as all international calls to mobile telephones have been shut down by authorities.

The country it seems is heading towards a full-blown civil war.

In the surrounding area of Zinjibar, there are reports of security forces being ambushed by unknown assailants, which led to the death of six soldiers.

Encouraged by successful uprisings in Egypt and Tunisia, citizens in Yemen began peaceful protests against Saleh’s 33-year rule in early February. However, the movement did not gather momentum until March when Saleh backed out of a promise to resign.

Yemen is the poorest country in the Middle East with the majority of its population living in poverty.

Challenges and Rejection of Power Transition

There have been numerous deals on the table to allow for a cessation of Saleh’s power and a transition to a more democratic government but the autocratic leader has scuppered each of the plans.

Last week, his refusal to sign the transfer of power deal led to fierce fighting on the streets of Sanaa. The violence prompted the United States and other western powers to order their citizens to leave the country.

At least 300 people have died since the unrest began in February.

The below video purports to show the Taiz camp on fire after the raid by security forces.