This followed offensive by Yemeni forces against rebels in north . Yemen 's President Ali Abdullah Saleh is also faced with a separatist movement in the country 's south and a growing threat from al Qaeda . Government and Houthi rebels engaged in intermittent fighting since 2004 . Conflict said to be separatist -- who may have power in the area -- and sectarian . Two foreigners died in June while apparently on a picnic in the area .
This followed offensive by Yemeni forces against rebels in north . Government and Houthi rebels engaged in intermittent fighting since 2004 . Conflict said to be separatist -- who may have power in the area -- and sectarian . Two foreigners died in June while apparently on a picnic in the area .