Yemen official says Libya, Iran groups back rebels

[maddezmom]

SANAA, March 2 (Reuters) - A Yemeni ruling party official has accused Libya and Iranian religious institutions of backing Shi'ite Muslim rebels who are battling government forces in the north of the Sunni-dominated country.

At least 105 soldiers and 90 rebels have died this year in sporadic but fierce clashes, according to government officials who say the rebels, led by Shi'ite leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, want to install religious rule.

President Ali Abdullah Saleh said in January that some countries were supplying Houthi's group with weapons and financial support, but did not name them.

Tareq al-Shami, head of media for Saleh's General People's Congress, said Iranian security officials had also told Yemen that Iranian religious institutions were supporting the rebels, but they added the groups were not backed by Tehran.

more: http://mobile.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L02293233.htm

[Lerkfish]

1. ho-hum, they never get any new material. I hate repeats. What's on channel 7?

[bemildred]

2. Not going well, is it?

When they start talking about who is supporting the rebels, you know they are looking for someone to blame for the mess. The Shi'ia along the Red Sea coast there (Asir)could give the Saudi fits too ....

[ohio2007]

3. they are blaming the wrong guy in attempts of

trying to get US aid.

A few high roller Saudi rulers across the border is the more obvious Sunni helping Sunni connection.

[bemildred]

4. It is true that the Shiite-Sunni issue might be bogus here. nt