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Yemeni President, Tribal Leader Establish Cease-Fire


Yemeni tribesmen take positions on a street near the house of tribal leader Shiekh Sadiq al-Ahmar during clashes with police in Sanaa on May 24.
Yemeni tribesmen take positions on a street near the house of tribal leader Shiekh Sadiq al-Ahmar during clashes with police in Sanaa on May 24.
Yemen's embattled president and a senior tribal leader have called a truce to end days of fighting that left over 100 people dead.

This week's violence pitted forces loyal to President Ali Abdullah Saleh against supporters of Sheikh Sadiq al-Ahmar of the influential Hashid tribal confederation in the bloodiest fighting seen since pro-democracy uprisings began in January.

Reports say thousands of people have fled their homes, and officials have expressed concern that the situation could devolve into a civil war.

Two months ago, Hashid broke its alliance with Saleh, whose 33-year rule has been challenged by popular protests, to join the opposition.

Saleh has repeatedly stalled Gulf Arab-led efforts to establish a transition agreement that would see him cede power.

The May 28 agreement requires both sides to begin withdrawing their forces from the capital starting today.

compiled from agency reports

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