The attack took place amid the resurgency of the Shi'ite revolt in
Saada. On April 29, Shi'ite fighters killed seven soldiers and injured 20 in
an ambush of three army troop transports in Saada.
"Al Houthi rebels attacked a convoy of soldiers who were returning from
their leave and were not carrying guns, in Qarah Magaz, Saada province," the
Yemeni Defense Ministry said. "The soldiers were passing peacefully through
the area. Seven of them were killed and 17 injured in the attack."
Al Houthi is the son of founder Hussein Bader Eddin Al Houthi, killed by
Yemeni troops in 2004. In June 2007, Sanaa and the Shi'ites agreed to a
ceasefire mediated by Qatar.
"The rebels have not respected the Qatari good offices until now," the
Defense Ministry said. "They repeatedly carried on such attacks on troops,
citizens, tribal sheiks and also against the public and private properties."
Yemen has blamed Iran for the revival of the Shi'ite revolt. Officials
said the latest attacks were believed to have been directed by the ruling
clerical regime in Teheran.
Hours after the bombing, fighting resumed between Yemeni troops and
Shi'ite rebels in Saada. Officials said 19 Shi'ite fighters and seven
soldiers were killed on Sunday.
"We cannot describe them [Al Houthis] as a religious movement," deputy
Saada Gov. Noman Al Daees said. "They are a political movement that receives
support from Iran."
