Context
A blast ripped through mobs of looters in an arms factory on Monday, killing 78 and wounding several others in the latest indication of waning government authority amid the public uprising in Yemen. The accidental explosion occurred after troops abandoned the building- the latest in a wave of incidents whereby government forces have left their positions. Tensions in the country intensified after 18th March, when gunmen loyal to President Ali Abdullah Saleh opened fire on anti-government demonstrators, killing more than 50. That sparked a series of defections by leading military officials, diplomats, tribal leaders and ministers.
