Sanaa: Fighting is worsening in the Yemeni capital as tribal fighters reportedly try to fight their way through government lines north of the city. Witnesses say thousands more fighters are on their way to Sanaa to boost the tribal forces. Flights at Sanaa airport were disrupted due to the fighting, but officials say operations have returned to normal.
President Ali Abdullah Saleh is refusing to step down despite months of opposition to his 33-year rule.
Fighters loyal to powerful tribal leader Sheikh Sadiq al-Ahmar have been battling government troops in Sanaa since last week.
Sheikh Ahmar heads the Hashid tribal confederation that has declared its support for the Yemeni opposition movement.
A ceasefire agreed on Friday broke down two days ago and street battles have raged since, leaving scores dead or injured.
Reports on Thursday said armed tribesmen had left their ancestral home in the city of Amran 28 miles (45km) north-west of Sanaa to support their fellow fighters in the capital.
An advanced guard clashed with government troops in the northern outskirts of the city, tribal leaders said, and witnesses reported that some had broken through, bringing artillery with them.
A statement from the defence ministry claimed that the military had stopped the fighters from entering the city, but an army officer who defected said that fighting was continuing.
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