Yemen forces surround Sanaa mosque amid ousted president attack fearJune 17, 2014 - 15:50 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Yemeni forces have surrounded a sprawling mosque complex in the capital Sanaa amid fears that backers of ousted autocrat Ali Abdullah Saleh might use it as a launchpad to attack the presidential palace, according to Reuters. The operation, in its fourth day on Tuesday, is the most dramatic standoff yet between current President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi and Saleh's supporters since he was forced to step down in 2011 following mass protests after 33 years in power. Gulf neighbors and the West fear for the stability of Yemen, which shares a long border with top oil exporter Saudi Arabia. The Saudi government, along with Washington, helped push through the UN-mediated political transition. Dozens of troops in armored vehicles surrounded the mosque complex which straddles a major highway and is close to the presidential palace where Hadi conducts his day-to-day duties. Security officials believe the mosque could be used as a base for insurrectionists. "There is information that there's a tunnel leading to the presidential compound from the mosque, and weapons inside the basement," a Yemeni security source told Reuters. State news agency Saba quoted a source in the presidential guard saying on Monday: "After the arrival of information about the intention by some subversive elements to use the mosque to attack sensitive facilities nearby, guarding has been enhanced to protect the mosque and the surrounding area." Abdulwali al-Qadi, the head of the mosque and a Saleh relative, denied that the building harbored any weapons. "There's no truth to these allegations," he told Reuters. "There are no weapons in the basement, only books and Korans." "The presidency wants us to hand over the mosque. They have no right to ask for that," he said. Government troops denied media access inside the site. Elected to lead the impoverished Arabian nation's political transition in 2012, Hadi has sought to chip away at the influence of Saleh and other officials and generals from the old government who diplomats say are seeking to regain power. Photo: Reuters/Khaled Abdullah Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Power of One Dram sums up two-year program with Teach for Armenia Idram Junior also joined the companies during the visit, bringing with it a fascinating intellectual game for children Moscow slams EU mission in Armenia for “provocative activity” The EU mission is doing more and more against Armenia’s neighbors Russia, Azerbaijan and Iran, Mikhail Galuzin said. Yerevan Mayor to travel to Paris on May 15-19 The official delegation headed by Yerevan Mayor Tigran Avinyan will travel to Paris from May 15 to 19. Armenia, India hold first defense consultations The meeting was attended by Indian Ambassador Nilakshi Saha Sinha and Defense Attaché Brigadier General Naveen Nijhawan. |