Saleh’s three-decade rule of Yemen in danger as he flees to Saudi for treatment

YEMEN President Ali Abdullah Saleh, wounded in an attack on his presidential palace, yesterday flew to Saudi Arabia for medical treatment, potentially offering a face-saving end to his three-decade rule.

But uncertainty about whether his sons and nephews would try to maintain a grip on power following months of protests meant the risk of further turmoil remained.

Acting president Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi was slated to meet members of the military and Saleh’s sons yesterday, according to Al Arabiya television. It was the first indication Saleh’s powerful sons had not left the country.