Ceasefire deal agreed between government and Al-Houthi rebels, brokered by Qatar, 16 June after months of violence in Saada province.

Clashes continued between government and rebel forces in north western Saada province. Army backed by tribesmen retook town of Qalaa and government building in Razih area from Shiite rebels Yemen accuses Iran and Libya of supporting; 60 reportedly killed 13 May. Suspected Islamists killed 12 police in ambush 21 May.

Government reported 9 April 25 troops and 20 Shiite rebels killed in continued fighting in northern Saada province. Rebels say fatality figures inflated. Government accused of laying anti-personnel mines: at least 60 admitted to hospital with related injuries.

2 foreign students killed by Shiite rebel attack on religious school in restive northern region 26 March. Battles between followers of deceased radical Shiite leader Hussein al-Houthi and government troops continued. Ali Mohammed Mujur named new PM 31 March after resignation of Abdul- Kader Bajammal.

Clashes between government forces and followers of deceased radical Shiite leader Hussein al-Houthi escalated in northern Saada province. Violence followed late January threat by al-Houthi supporters against members of Jewish community if they did not leave Yemen. Parliament authorised government to deal with uprising 10 February leading to fierce fighting in which dozens killed.

Police killed al-Qaeda suspect in shootout 15 January. Government said it increased security measures against infiltration of Islamists from Somalia.

Authorities shut down Aden port and deployed army around government institutions and foreign oil instillations 23 November in response to suicide attack threats by al-Qaeda. Court convicted 34 followers of Shiite cleric Hussein al-Hawthi, who led rebellion in early 2004, for plotting terrorist operations. Al-Qaeda claimed responsibility for 15 September suicide attacks on oil and gas facilities.

Incumbent President Saleh re-elected for another 7- year term with 77% of 20 September vote. Main opponent, former oil minister Shamlan, received 21.8%. Opposition claimed election rigged but international monitors said vote “open and genuine”. 42 killed in stampede at Saleh rally but no serious political violence reported. Security forces foiled 2 simultaneous suicide attacks on oil and gas facilities 15 September; 4 bombers killed before they reached targets.

Violence marred launch of campaigns for 20 September local council and presidential election: 3 killed, including ruling General Peoples’ Congress council candidate for al-Jawf province and member of Islamist Islah party. Incumbent President Ali Abdullah Saleh faces unprecedented challenge from 4 other candidates - including main opposition candidate Faisal Bin Shamlan.

19 alleged al-Qaeda members accused of plotting to assassinate westerners and blow up hotel acquitted 9 July, despite some having allegedly confessed.