- Top Yemeni General defects: Major General Ali Mohsen al-Ahmar broke with the Saleh government in Yemen today, following a recent surge of violence in that’s been said to have claimed more than fifty civilian lives. The twist? Ali Mohsen al-Ahmar is also the half brother of President Saleh, and has decided to send troops to guard the civilian protesters. While the Yemeni population seems appreciative of this new ally, there are concerns about the General’s close history with Saleh, and his consequent military operations against northern Shiites, now a core of support for the uprising (some want him prosecuted for war crimes). This also makes it likely that a post-Saleh era in Yemen will be ushered in through military rule, which can make people a little nervous. (Trigger warning: Some graphic images in the clip.) source