Soldiers in conflict over pay in Yemen

A fire exchange took place in a military base in Shabwa, Yemen, between soldiers and the guards of the base's commander, a military source said to Arabstoday. The conflict kicked off following soldier’s protests over not receiving their salaries. The protesting soldiers accused the commanders' guards of firing at them first and arresting a soldier who is currently under detention. The military base is located in the Belhaf area. It is believed to be devoted to protect the natural gas fields of Shabwa. It has witnessed several protests during the last year calling for changing some military commanders. Protesting soldiers say their salaries were suspended for the last couple of months as a kind of "secret punishment" against them.