Tribal leader accuses Saleh of dragging country into civil war

SANAA, Yemen - Intense battles spread across Yemen's capital on Thursday between government forces and opposition militiamen from powerful tribes that warn of civil war unless embattled President Ali Abdullah Saleh steps down. At least 28 people were killed as the four-day death toll neared 110.

The fight - led by Yemen's largest tribe - poses the most significant challenge to Saleh's rule after three months of street demonstrations and failed Arab mediation to ease him from office. Yemen's tribes command well-armed militias and can tap into traditional clan-based loyalties to possibly tips the scales against Saleh's 32-year rule.