Rebels crushed, says Yemen

Press, 17 January 1986, Page 6

Rebels crushed, says Yemen

NZPA-Reuter Aden Fighting was reported from the South Yemeni capital of Aden yesterday during a rebellion by a faction of the Marxist leadership, while official sources said troops had crushed most “rebel elements.”

A ship off Aden radioed Lloyds shipping Intelligence service in London that a huge ball of fire could be seen over Aden and fighting seemed to be fierce with no sign of stopping. The vessel, which declined to identify itself for safety reasons, reported no damage so far on oil refineries in the strategically placed port city at the Red

Sea’s southern entrance. It said aircraft had begun firing earlier over naval targets and some shells had fallen close to merchant vessels, but the ships had left the port area and were now clear. Residents said fighting, which started after a coup attempt by the hardline Marxist faction of the former President, Abdul-Fa-tah Ismail, ended early yesterday. Most people stayed at home, fearing fresh violence, they said. Official sources said Government troops were tightening security after crushing most “rebel elements” and that life was gradually returning to normal