Fears started to grow again early Thursday after forces had deployed to Al-Hasaba district in downtown Yemen's capital Sana'a where tribal fighters loyal to sheikh Sadeq Al-Ahmer of Hashid fought the army killing tens of troops and taking over and looting several public offices in June.
Forces in and out of uniform and tanks and other military vehicles were deployed to some streets in the district amid fears confrontations might erupt again; and at a time when the government is accusing the opposition of inflaming the situation and threatening of civil war.
Civilians were also killed, thousands of families displaced and homes destroyed in the June battles.
In response to the military move, the tribal fighters, who never left their positions since a ceasefire was reached in late June, took positions stationed and closed some ways leading to the house of their sheikh, Sadeq Al-Ahmer, which came under attacks.
Days ago, Al-Ahmer pledged that President Saleh, being treated in Saudi Arabia after he survived an assassination attempt in his palace in June, and his family will not rule the country as long as he is alive. The commitment was made inside the change square outside Sana'a University during the ceremony of a tribal pro-revolution alliance declaration.
The ruling party criticized the pledge of Al-Ahmer, saying it was aimed at igniting the situation and seeking war.
"I promise you that President Saleh and his sons will not rule us as long as I am alive and Allah is the witness on my commitment," Al-Ahmer told tribal elders and attendants.