Yemen's Saleh Recovering From Surgery In Saudi Arabia, Truce Holding

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June 06, 2011

Saudi officials say Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh is recovering from an operation in Saudi Arabia to remove shrapnel from his chest.
Saleh was flown to Saudi Arabia on June 5 for medical treatment after he was wounded when a rocket was fired on his presidential palace in Sanaa.
Saleh has faced weeks of protests demanding his resignation after more than 30 years in power, and his departure set off mass street celebrations in Sanaa.
In recent days, there has also been fierce fighting in the capital between Saleh loyalists and armed tribesmen who had sided with the protesters.
In Saleh's absence, a truce between his troops and the tribesmen appeared to be holding today.

Yemeni officials say Saleh plans to return to Yemen, but analysts say a comeback may not be possible in the face of so much opposition.
While Saleh is away, Vice President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi is acting as temporary head of state.
compiled from agency reports

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