Yemen: Fighting in Amran

More than a month into a military offensive against Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) in south Yemen, a second front has reignited as government forces engage Houthi rebels in Amran Province, north of Sanaa. Armed clashes there had receded after a late March ceasefire between Houthi elements and tribal militias loyal to Bayt Al-Ahmar and the Al-Islah party. But the ceasefire was short-lived as the Houthis accused the army’s 310 Brigade, led by General Hamid Al-Qushaibi, of initiating aggressive manoeuvres near Houthi positions around the city of Amran.