BBC News – Yemen: President Saleh defiant after injury

Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh has broadcast a brief audio message, hours after being injured in an attack on his compound in the capital Sanaa.

Mr Saleh said he was well and urged the army to confront his tribal opponents, who he blamed for the attack.

Seven people were killed. The prime minister and the speaker of parliament were among several injured.

The attack came amid huge demonstrations and continuing fighting between government and armed tribes.

Earlier, troops shelled the home of the brother of tribal leader Sheikh Sadeq al-Ahmar, the head of the powerful Hashid tribal confederation, who has joined the opposition.

Sheikh Ahmar’s office denied responsibility for the palace attack.

Meanwhile, the European Union set in motion a procedure to evacuate its citizens, foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said.

The attack is the most significant escalation in days of fighting between President Saleh’s forces and armed tribesmen allied to his main rival. It is a humiliation for the president, who is clinging to power.

Tonight the streets in Sanaa are empty and there is almost a total power blackout. Checkpoints and tanks are at the corner of almost every street.

Along with France and the United States, it called for an immediate ceasefire.

via BBC News – Yemen: President Saleh defiant after injury.