Clashes break out again in Taiz

TAIZ, July 20 (YPA) – Violent clashes broke out on Monday morning, in the center of Taiz province, which is experiencing unprecedented breakdown as differences between its pro-coalition forces intensified, local sources reported.

According to local sources, the clashes took place in al- Tahrir neighborhood after a “anonymous” ambush exploded and targeted a convey for leader Ghazwan al-Makhlafi, loyal to the al-Islah party.

One of The Ghazwan’s military pickups was destroyed during the clashes, one of the sources said.

The motives of the clashes are not yet known, but Ghazwan, who is supported by his uncle, 22-year-old General Mika commander Sadiq Sarhan, has recently emerged as a warlord and de facto ruler of the city, even though he is only 20 years old.

The differences between the armed factions belonging to the Mikhlaf and the al-Hujarya have recently escalated, although they are all affiliated with the al-Islah party.

The recent clashes in the southwestern countryside of Taiz, where Hammoud al-Makhlafi is pushing for the establishment of a military base backed Turks, have intensified the division of his party’s factions within the city, highlighting a coup attempt by rival factions on the axis and security led by two  from al-Hujarya district.

E.M