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Houthis Imprison Pro-Saleh Leaders | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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Newly recruited Houthis ride on the back of a pick-up truck before heading to the frontline to fight against government forces, in Sana’a, Yemen January 12, 2017. Reuters


Jeddah- Disputes between leaders of Yemeni Republican Guard of former President Ali Abdullah Saleh and the Houthis, who have seized state institutions, compelled dozens of officers to find a safe exit from Sana’a and some main battlefronts.

Despite this, some Republican Guard leaders failed to escape the Houthis and were arrested.

Officials in the Yemeni Army received direct calls from Yemeni Republican Guard leaders to ensure a safe way out for them, revealed Major General Amin al-Waeli, commander of the 6th Military district of the National Army.

Waeli did not reveal the army’s measure to escort Yemeni Republican Guard officers from their locations in Sana’a but affirmed that the military has the potential and capabilities that serve this purpose.

He revealed that there are disputes between the Houthis and the pro-Saleh Yemeni Republican Guard on the management of battles and on issuing orders.

Waeli reiterated that the army and the legitimate government welcome those who return to the right track, and those who have realized the truth behind the coup on democracy and the nation’s freedom.

“We will use all our capabilities to protect the nation, away from political conflicts,” Waeli said.

On the number of captives in Al Jawf battlefront, he said: “There are 200 captives, including high-ranking leaders who support Saleh and Houthis.”

He stressed that the defeat of militias will start from Saada and that the operation of liberation will occur as the army advances steadily towards the city.