Forces loyal to a general fired by Yemen's new president have surrounded the capital's airport, forcing it to shut down.
Troops loyal to dismissed air force chief General Mohammed Saleh al-Ahmar have held positions around the airport since April 6, threatening to shoot down any passenger plane that attempts to take off or land.
The siege of the airport comes as Yemen's new president, Abed Rabbo Mansur Hadi, has dismissed four governors and more than a dozen military generals to "make way for new officials."
Air force chief Ahmar, who refuses to step down, is one of many top military commanders who are kinsman of former President Ali Abdullah Saleh.
Amid violent protests, Saleh agreed last year to hand over power but many of his relatives are still in government posts.
Yemen's new president, Abed Rabbo Mansur Hadi, has dismissed four governors and more than a dozen military generals to "make way for new officials."
Air Force General Muhamed Saleh al-Ahmar, the half-brother of former President Ali Abdullah Saleh, and the head of the presidential guard, who is a nephew of the former president, were among those fired.
During his more than 30 years in power, former President Saleh had given many of his relatives positions in the government.
Amid violent protests, Saleh agreed last year to hand over power.
Hadi became president in February in an election where he was the only candidate.
But crowds have continued protesting to demand Hadi purge the military of Saleh's relatives.