Yemen gov't forces stifle advance toward capital by northern rebels
By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Yemeni officials say government forces have beaten back an advance by northern rebels who brought their fight south to within 12 miles of the capital San'a over the past few days.
Until recently, the rebellion that began in 2004 had been concentrated in Saada province, close to the Saudi border more than 100 miles from the capital.
But in the last three days, government forces pounded a mountainous area near San'a around the village of Bani Heshiash to battle advancing rebels, tribal and local officials said Saturday, speaking on condition of anonymity because of security concerns.
The government put checkpoints on main streets in San'a, searched cars and questioned passengers while deploying armored vehicles to Bani Heshiash, 20 kilometers away.