Sectarian violence spreads in Yemen, where Shi'ite militia square off against al-Qaeda

A Yemeni city was taken by al Qaeda fighters, and 33 people were killed by a suicide bombing and gun fighting during the group's challenge to the Yemeni government.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - This is just the latest bout of violence that has erupted in Yemen since Shi'ite Muslim Houthis took control of Sanaa, the capital, back in September, which threatens to destabilize the country and potentially spread into Saudi Arabia.

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Houthi forces have been fighting both Sunni tribesmen and al Qaeda militants-who view the Houthis as apostates and heretics-in several provinces.

In this latest attack, the suicide bomber blew up a car near the home of a local government official, killing 13 people. An al Qaeda affiliated group, Ansar al-Sahrai, released a statement taking responsibility for the attacks.

On October 19 al-Sharia fighters shelled a house in Radda, and attacked Houthis fighters in gunfights in the outskirts, which killed 10.

Radda has a population of 60,000, and has long been a stronghold for the region, which includes many Sunni tribal fighters. Violence between the Houthis and Sunnis is ongoing.

Another terrifying occurrence was the seizure of the city of al-Odayn in central Yemen. Odayn, a city of 200,000, was captured by al Qaeda fighters.

"They came in at midday, invaded the town, chanting Allahu Akbar (God is Greater) and seized the government compound unopposed," said one resident of al-Odayn.

Other residents said that Sunni militants destroyed the homes of a local Houthi member who had been trying to recruit locals to join a local police force established by Houthis.

A statement from local tribesmen released on October 19 said that they will not tolerate the presence of "any armed militia from any party." They're calling on the Yemeni government to move in and impose order.

"The state must carry out its national duty to spare the province of sectarian strife," said the statement.

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