On Tuesday, December 27th, Yemeni youths divided over the power transfer deal signed by President Saleh in November, clashed violently in Change Square, the epicentre of the anti-regime protests. The clashes left at least 35 people injured in the capital Sanaa. Members of the Al-Islah party, who signed the deal with Saleh attacked the camp of hundreds of activists rejecting the agreement. More violence is likely in the country in coming days and the security is not guaranteed.
The Gulf deal signed last month grants immunity from prosecution to President Saleh in exchange of a power transfer by February 2012. The deal has created a great controversy in Yemen as several opposition groups and activists are against it. Yemen has faced 11 months of political and social unrest, inspired by the successful revolutions in Egypt and Tunisia. Since February, violent demonstrations took place in the capital Sanaa and elsewhere, leaving hundreds of dead people.
Due to the current situation, travellers must be aware that several western embassies advise their citizens against all travel to Yemen and ask those currently in the country to leave as soon as possible by commercial means.
