Somalis seize Yemeni sailors, boats

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.