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Army Commanders Defect in Yemen

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As tanks deploy in capital.

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Hani Mohammed / AP Photo

Libya may be getting most of the attention, but keep an eye on Yemen: Three army commanders, including a top general, have defected to the opposition. The general, Ali Mohsen al-Ahmar, was close to Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh. “We announce we support and protect the youths who are protesting at University Square in Sana'a," al-Ahmar said in a statement. Saleh responded to al-Ahmar’s announcement by deploying tanks in Sana'a. On Sunday, Saleh sacked his entire cabinet. Several Yemeni officials have also resigned since the government killed 45 protesters Friday.

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