Security personnel, tribesmen killed in Yemen clashes

By Ali Oweida

MAARIB, Yemen

At least five security personnel and ten tribal fighters were killed in clashes that erupted in Yemen's eastern city of Maarib on Tuesday, according to a local security source.

“Armed tribesmen coming from Sanaa refused to halt at a security checkpoint near Maarib’s southern entrance,” the source, preferring anonymity, told Anadolu Agency.

“One of the tribesmen opened fire, triggering a gunfight in which five security personnel -- along with 10 tribesmen -- were killed,” the source added.

The source’s assertions, however, have yet to be independently verified.

Yemen has remained wracked by violence since 2014, when Shia Houthi rebels overran much of the country, including capital Sanaa.

The conflict escalated in 2015 when Saudi Arabia and its Sunni-Arab allies launched a massive air campaign in Yemen aimed at rolling back Houthi gains.