Clashes in north Yemen left several dead (see article here) The incident occurred in Sa'ada, the site of recurring conflict between Houthi rebels and government forces. To make a very long story short, the Houthi rebellion began as a police action to arrest Husein al-Houthi but has continued to rage, alternating between low-level conflict to full pitched battles, since 2004. The root cause of the conflict has largely been lost as grievances have built on both sides after years of warfare and destruction.
The Houthi leadership recently announced their support for the protests calling for the president to resign. This is notable as it signals an abandonment (at least temporarily) of regional conflict in favor of a united front against the regime. I can't remember if the Southern movement has made a similar declaration but it as well would mean trouble for the president.
The truth of what happened Friday in Sa'ada is unknown. The Houthis claim that soldiers opened fire on a peaceful procession. The soldiers claim that armed men stormed an army base. Either way, shootings or rumors of shootings, particularly ones in which peaceful protesters are victims of aggressive government agents, will likely galvanize more people to the opposition as it changes the dynamic, raises emotions and boils tempers.
On a related note, I am yet to see a Yemeni soldier or police officer in proper riot gear. Perhaps if they had an alternative to firing their gun they might not shoot so much.
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