Ana’am reveals details about clashes between coalition rival militias in Taiz city
TAIZ, March 19 (YPA) – Fierce clashes using tanks, artillery and light and medium weapons have continued to take place between factions loyal to the Saudi-led coalition, mainly the Islah Party (Muslim Brotherhood) and the Salafist group known as Abu Abbas in downtown Taiz, amid reports of civilian casualties.
The ongoing violent clashes between the coalition’s rival factions have expanded into residential areas and the perimeter of the southern ring of the Cairo Citadel, coinciding with the reinforcement of the two sides by dozens of militants and military pickups.
The Salafist leader Mohamed Tahir Ana’am has revealed details of the armed confrontations in Taiz city since Monday afternoon, which has so far led to the death of a civilian and injured four others on Jamal Street.
He has accused the Muslim Brotherhood militias of fabricating confrontations in order to provoke the new governor, Nabil Shaman, recently appointed by the exiled Hadi.
“The military wing of the Islah party in Taiz has provoked the new Governor Nabil Shaman (appointed by Hadi) after arriving in the city on Sunday, and has launched a partisan military campaign in the center of Taiz against the gunmen of Abu Abbas in their positions that were previously agreed upon,” the Salafist leader said.
He indicated that the so-called 22 Mika Brigade, which is loyal to the Muslim Brotherhood, has carried out military operations against the Abu Abbas Brigades, which are loyal to the UAE. The Mika Brigade alleged to be confronting terrorist groups, and drove the Abu Abbas gunmen from al-Jahmmaliyeh, Aljamhury and Alaskary areas.
Salafist leader Mohamed Tahir Ana’am has furthermore noted that the Islah Party’s provocations have also included the assigning of another group to target the House of Deputy Arif Jamal while he was on his way back to Aden. ”
“This test is a challenge for the governor loyal to the coalition and it is a message [by the enemies] demanding that he should not interfere in security and military affairs,” Salafist leader Tahir Ana’am wrote on his social media official page.
Since Monday afternoon, clashes in the city of Taiz have escalated at a rapid pace, with heavy weaponry from the 22-Mika Brigade, and heavy artillery shelling.
E.M