Special to WorldTribune.com

CAIRO — Yemen’s government has confronted the military loyal to
ousted President Ali Abdullah Saleh.

President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi, elected in March, has sought to
replace Saleh relatives and supporters in the military.

On April 6, Hadi ordered a reshuffle of the General Staff, including the dismissal of Saleh’s half-brother.

One of those fired was identified as Air Force commander Gen. Mohammed Saleh Amar, replaced by Gen. Rashid Nasser Ali Al Janad. Presidential Guard commander Maj. Gen. Tarek Mohammed Abdullah Saleh was transferred to head an
armored brigade and Marine Forces chief Gen. Rowis Moujawar was dismissed.

The president retained Saleh’s son, Ahmed, as commander of the
Republican Guard. Saleh’s nephew, Yehya Mohammed, was allowed to continue as chief of Central Security.

Another casualty of the reshuffle was Gen. Mohammed Ali Mohsen Al Ahmar, who led a mutiny against the Saleh regime in 2011. Another defector, Gen.
Mohammed Ali Ahmed Al Magdashi, was also replaced as chief of Central
Command.

Al Ahmar, the dismissed Air Force chief, has rejected the Hadi
reshuffle. He ordered forces to lay siege to Sanaa International Airport and
threatened to down any aircraft that sought to take off or land. Tareq,
Saleh’s nephew, has also refused to leave his post.

  Ali Abdullah Saleh, Maj. Gen. Tarek Mohammed Abdullah Saleh, President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi, Republican Guard, Sanaa International Airport, Yemen military leaders loyal to Saleh defy newly-elected president