US caught off guard by Saleh’s return to Yemen

Washington—The U.S. apparently was blindsided by the sudden return home of Yemen’s wounded leader after three months abroad for medical care.

The development further complicates U.S.-backed efforts to prevent a civil war and an al-Qaida power grab in the largely lawless Arab country.

U.S. officials conceded the timing of his return from Saudi Arabia on Thursday was a surprise.

They said Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton was not warned of President Ali Abdullah Saleh’s plans when she met Tuesday with Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister in New York.

Officials spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation.

Saleh did not appear before the Yemeni public, but called for a cease-fire and negotiations with the opposition.

The U.S. repeated its demand that Saleh immediately transfer authority.