Yemen Truce Deal Falls Apart

Al Jazeera reports:

A tenuous truce declared a few days ago to end street fighting in the Yemeni capital between tribal groups and forces loyal to President Ali Abdullah Saleh has broken down, sending the country closer to the brink of civil war.

"The ceasefire agreement has ended, " a government official said on Tuesday without giving further details.

The announcement came as overnight clashes in Sanaa killed many people and left dozens injured.

Sources told Al Jazeera that the heaviest shelling took place near the interior ministry building and the house of Sadiq al-Ahmar, a powerful tribal leader ranged against President Saleh.

They said forces loyal to Saleh, under pressure from protesters to quit and end his 33-year rule, fired tens of shells and missiles from a mountain near the house of al-Ahmar.

A journalist from Sanaa told Al Jazeera the fighting was the fiercest the capital had seen in a long time.

"People are leaving, several homes were burned and tribal forces took over some government buildings and police stations," the journalist said.