Tribal fighters barricade Yemeni capital

Fighters from Yemen's largest tribe clashed with government forces in the heart of Sanaa yesterday. The Hashid militiamen sealed off key buildings and barricaded streets as the revolt against President Ali Abdullah Saleh sharply escalated.

Outside the interior ministry, tribesmen and security forces traded fire with automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenades, witnesses said. The tribal fighters appeared to consolidate their control of a key district. At least 12 people have been killed over two days.