SA’ADA, Aug. 21 — President Abdu Rabu Mansur Hadi established a committee on Wednesday tasked with ending the renewed clashes in Damaj, Sa’ada between the Houthis affilaites and Salafis.
President Hadi ordered the committee to meet with five representatives from each group in order to reach a solution to the conflict, said Hassn Zaid, head of the Al-Haq Party.
Three Damaj residents were killed and eight wounded Tuesday and Wednesday after the two sides exchanged gunfire, Damaj resident Mohammed Al-Wadei said. Machine guns and bazookas were used during the clashes.
“The Houthis tried to enter Talol village in Damaj on Tuesday, but residents stopped them,” Al-Wadei stated.
Ongoing clashes prevented both groups from transporting their wounded to hospitals. The state has not yet intervened, Al-Wadei said.
Mujeeb Al-Humaid, a researcher specialized in Islamic affairs, told the Yemen Times that the Houth-Salafi conflict started in 2007 when area Houthis attempted to persuade Damaj locals to join their fight against state forces. Locals refused.
Following the end of the sixth government war launched against the Houthis, the Houthis attempted to gain control of Damaj, where the Salafis have maintained control.
by: Nasser al-Sakkaf
