Yemeni Leader Saleh 'Severely Injured'

Ali Abdullah Saleh, the dictator of Yemen, is apparently far more injured than earlier reports have indicated. Saleh has not made any public appearances and has not been photographed since a rocket attack hit his compound. Initial reports said that he had minor injuries but still underwent surgery in neighboring Saudi Arabia.

Now it appears that he may die. Burns cover about 40% of his body and his condition is said to be 'grave.'

It was not immediately clear how severe Mr Saleh's burns and other injuries were but, on Saturday, sources close to the president told the BBC that he had second-degree burns on his chest and face, as well as a piece of shrapnel almost 7.6cm (3in) long under his heart.

The president underwent surgery on Monday to remove shards of wood from his chest and treat the heavy burns on his face and chest, AP reports.

Saleh is 69 years old and the injuries may be even worse than the Yemeni government is letting on. With Saleh on death watch, Yemen is in a state of civil war.

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