Yemen’s besieged President Ali Abdullah Saleh has been stung by the defection of nine army officers led by Maj. Gen. Abdullah Ali Elewa, a former defense minister. Elewa signed a statement calling on other officers to “stand side by side with the courageous armed forces, Republican Guards and security officers who endorsed the peaceful popular youthful revolution and announced their support to stand up to the tyrants and corrupt, and unjust.” Saleh has denounced the defectors as “traitors.” Meanwhile, Zinjibar, in southern Yemen, has fallen to armed forces aligned with Al-Qa’ida triggering claims and counter-claims. Opponents of President Saleh are claiming he is using the fear of Al-Qa’ida to boost his own support.