[02/July/2009]

TAIZ, July 02 (Saba) – Tow Yemeni boats have been seized in Somalia with 6 people onboard.

Somali people in the Zeal'a area accuse the Yemeni sailors of smuggling Somalis into Yemen.

Meanwhile, a Yemeni military base at the Bab el-Mandab strait tried to pressure Somalis to release the Yemeni boats and sailors, seizing a Somali livestock merchant, informed sources said.

Hearing the news, Somali people hit back seizing three Yemeni livestock dealers from the Thubab district, Taiz.

Yemeni traders in the district have been suspending their activities for five days expressing fear Somalis could arrest more Yemeni traders.

They have urged the military base to immediately release the Somali dealer, a move which they said could be the first step to release the Yemenis.

The military base should do every thing to avoid making the situation worse, they hope.

Locals said the dealers have started negotiations with the military base over their concern.

FR
Saba