CAIRO — Yemen has launched a crackdown on Shi'ite insurgents aligned
with Iran.
The Interior Ministry has directed security forces to track and arrest
hundreds of suspected Shi'ite insurgents in major cities in Yemen. So far,
scores of Shi'ites, including eight suspected insurgency leaders, have been
detained.
Officials said the effort was meant to dismantle the Iranian-backed
Believing Youth movement. The movement, headed by a Shi'ite cleric in
northern Yemen, has waged a rebellion in the northern province of Saada near
the border with Yemen.
In 2008, the Shi'ite revolt has moved south toward the capital Sanaa.
Officials said the Believing Youth established cells in such provinces as
Amran, Jawf and Sanaa.
Officials said the Shi'ite detainees included relatives of senior
officials. They said the relatives were charged with transferring weapons
and money to the Believing Youth in northern Sanaa.
The focus of the crackdown has been the northern part of Sanaa.
Officials said at least 100 insurgents, surrounded by Yemen Army troops,
were based in the mountains of Bani Hushaish.
"They have arranged for food and water and have the support of some of
the surrounding communities," an official said.