Yemen Says Shi'ite Rebels Trained In Iran

CAIRO [MENL] -- For the first time, Yemen has identified Iran as a major
supporter of the Shi'ite rebellion in the Gulf Arab state.
Yemen Deputy Prime Minister Rashid Al Alimi identified Iran as the
trainer and financier of the Believing Youth, which has been engaged in a
rebellion in northern Yemen since 2004. Over the last few months, the
Shi'ite group has sought to extend its activities around the Yemeni capital
of Sanaa.
"The satanic seed of Al Houthis [Believing Youth] started in 1982 during
the Iraqi-Persian war, and over the period of 1983-1984 some cells were
formed with Iranian support to carry out terrorist acts," Al Alimi said.
In an address to parliament on June 11, Al Alimi said Believing Youth
fighters were armed and financed by Iran. The deputy prime minister,
responsible for defense and security, said teams of Yemeni Shi'ites are
taken to Iran for training in combat and sabotage.