US embassy cable - 05SANAA697

C O N F I D E N T I A L SANAA 000697 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/23/2015 
TAGS: PREL, PTER, PINR, YM, DOMESTIC POLITICS, COUNTER TERRORISM 
SUBJECT: SHORT OUTBREAK OF FIGHTING IS SAADA 
 
Classified By: CDA Nabeel Khoury for reasons 1.4 b and d. 
 
1. (U) Fighting broke out between ROYG security forces and 
members of the "Believing Youth" (Shabab al-Moumin) in the 
northern city of Saada March 19.  Four supporters of the late 
anti-American Shi'ite Cleric al-Houthi were reportedly killed 
while attempting to flee police after a shoot out at the Talh 
weapons market.  Official sources say the four were buying 
arms for possible use against the government.  Three other 
rebels and a policeman were reportedly injured as well. 
 
2(C) Minister of Interior Rashad al-Alimi told CDA March 20 
that the immediate fighting was over, but that tensions 
remain high because the dead were leaders in the Shabab 
al-Moumin organization.  Following the fatal shoot-out, Alimi 
reported, small demonstrations erupted in Saada with 
participants shouting anti-ROYG, anti-American, and 
anti-Israeli slogans.  The visit of an Embassy group was 
canceled by the MOI as a result.  Government security remains 
tight and Alimi he would be keeping a close watch on the area 
in the coming days and weeks. 
Khoury