Saada region could destabilize Yemen

BRUSSELS, May 28 (UPI) -- An outbreak of rebel violence in Yemen could be prevented with a concerted international and local effort, a report from the International Crisis Group says.

The Belgium-based non-governmental organization released a report Wednesday suggesting the tensions in Yemen's Saada governorate in the north of the country bordering Saudi Arabia could erupt in rebel violence if the fragile situation is not addressed, the Crisis Group reported.

The report, titled "Yemen: Defusing the Saada Time Bomb," says the international community has focused primarily on Yemen's ongoing struggle with al-Qaida while a potential conflict in Saada between the government and the rebel Huthis group could destabilize the region.

Crisis Group officials are calling on the international community along with local and national leaders in Yemen to address grievances and defuse tensions to avoid conflict.

"Renewed war is not preordained, but it will take concerted action by local, national and international actors to prevent it," Robert Malley, Crisis Group Middle East and North Africa program director, said in a statement.

"In duration and intensity, destruction, casualties, sectarian stigmatization and regional dimension, the Saada conflict stands apart from other violent episodes in Yemen. It will need more than run-of-the-mill domestic and international efforts to end it."