Yemen tribal chiefs join opposition

Powerful tribal chiefs in Yemen have joined opposition forces demanding the removal of the country’s long-time president in a new sign the embattled leader might be losing his grip on power.

The defection is a blow to president Ali Abdullah Saleh especially because two of the chiefs abandoning him are from his own tribe, the Hashid, the second-largest tribal federation in Yemen.

The two Hashid leaders said in a statement today that they and other tribal leaders support the protests that began two weeks ago and condemn the government’s crackdown.

The country’s leaders, Hussein al-Ahmar and Mohammad Abdel Illah al-Qadi, also said they have quit the president’s ruling party.

Mr Saleh has ruled for 32 years.