Yemen said on Friday it has recalled its ambassadors from both Libya and Iran for consultations over the two countries' purported backing of Shi'ite rebels fighting against government forces. In recent months, heavy fighting has flared up again between the rebels and government troops in Saada province in the northern mountains on the Saudi border.
At least 50 people were killed and 100 hurt in a stampede on Tuesday at a stadium in southern Yemen during an election rally by President Ali Abdullah Saleh, a week ahead of polls already marred by violence. The victims were crushed to death when tens of thousands of people tried to gain entry into the sports stadium at the town of Ibb, witnesses said.