Cruising Through Town Before Curfew

Posted by Al-Ghariba

We were well aware of the state of emergency imposed curfew in the country, which is 9pm so we left our venue at 8pm. Due to road blocks and therefore plenty of doubling back as well as military checkpoints around the city, our time started to run short and we didn't want to break the curfew, although it is a common action.

We passed through the last military check point on our way to the Sitteen (major arterial road from north to south of Sanaa) and drove like Yemeni maniacs up the highway only to be stopped by yet another military checkpoint. No problem, and we were waved through and returned weaving at speed through traffic.

We had not gone even a few hundred metres when a group of soldiers ran out onto the street ahead of us with rifles at the ready pointed at us. So, we stopped, and I have to admit that my heart skipped a beat. These troops were from the Ali Muhsin part of the army which had defected to support the uprising. Once they saw that we were a car full of women they appologised and let us continue.

This sudden encounter however did not encourage us to change our driving style. But still it highlighted three things. One; erratic driving will arrouse the suspicions of soldiers patroling the streets. Two; avoid being out at night, especially foreigners. And thirdly, a new confusing situation has emerged where we do not really know which soldiers are from which army.

Ali Muhsin troops have most of the city and you are most likely to encounter them. Ali Saleh troops are mainly in the southern districts around the President's Palace, Saba'een and his big Masjid.

Take care and have an enjoyable revolution.