Clashes erupted again in the Yemeni capital city of Sanaa today, quickly descending into an ugly gunbattle between troops loyal to the regime and tribesmen who have been protecting pro-democracy protesters. Dozens were reported killed.

Beyond the usual killings and large numbers of wounded, reports from the media say that at least 300 of the regime’s soldiers were captured during one of the clashes in the Arhab District of the capital.

The violence once again underscores the inability of the regime’s forces to stand toe-to-toe with large numbers of tribesmen in the country, which inevitably raises the question of why the regime is constantly moving against those tribesmen.

The latest violence comes as Yemen’s opposition is said to be close to finalizing a deal for President Saleh to step down from power. Since the move is just Saleh transferring power to Major General Hadi, it is unlikely to placate the protesters.

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