Fierce Clashes in Yemen Leave 2 Dead Despite Deal

[Robb]

Source: AP (via ABC)

Heavy fighting between rival army units shook Yemen's capital Friday, killing two soldiers in what could signal the start of a power struggle just days after autocratic President Ali Abdullah Saleh agreed to end his 33-year rule.

The clashes pitted Central Security forces commanded by Saleh's nephew, Col. Yehia Saleh, against troops from the First Armored Division, headed by Gen. Ali Mohsen al-Ahmar, who defected and joined the protesters in March. The crackle of automatic weapons and the heavy thud of mortars echoed across the city.

One soldier from each side was killed before the fighting stopped around dawn, a security official said on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to brief the media.

The two units have clashed in the past, but Friday's fighting was the first showdown since Saleh signed a U.S.-backed proposal Wednesday in the Saudi capital Riyadh. Under the agreement, Saleh agreed to pass power to Vice President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi within 30 days, after a new government sworn in by the vice president passes a law protecting Saleh and his associates from prosecution.

Read more: http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/protesters-reject-yemen-presidents-power-transfer-15025748#.TtAVBoAdyac

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While the civilian "opposition" work out deals, the real power struggle is the military one. If anyone has any idea which side I should root for, I'm all ears. :(