Yemeni president recovering from attack on presidential compound

Saleh was flown to the country on a Saudi medical flight on Saturday, just a day after being wounded in an attack on his presidential compound in Sanaa. It remains unclear whether Saleh will return to Yemen.

There were reports he would remain in Saudi Arabia for two weeks; one week to recover and another for meetings, but it was not known what he planned to do after that.

In the meantime, Yemeni deputy information minister Abdu al-Janadi, has claimed that Saleh would be returning: "Saleh is in good health, and he may give up the authority one day but it has to be in a constitutional way.”

Thousands of people in Yemen have been celebrating his departure after weeks of anti-government protests.

Saleh underwent two successful operations on Sunday on his chest and neck, according to Saudi officials, suggesting he would seek to return to Sanaa after convalescing.

But even if President Saleh wants to return, it is unlikely Saudi Arabia will allow him, the BBC reports.

Yemeni Vice-President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi has replaced Saleh in his absence, and is in command of the armed forces and security services.

He met US ambassador Gerald Michael Feierstein, state news agency Saba reported, to discuss "the importance of co-operation with the [opposition] Common Forum" alliance.

He may have little real power however, with Saleh's son and other relatives in charge of key units of the security forces.

Friday's attack on Saleh came after days of street battles in Sanaa between government forces and fighters loyal to Sheikh Sadiq al-Ahmar, head of the powerful Hashid tribal federation. The fighting has left more than 160 dead and brought the country to the brink of civil war.

Early on Monday a truce between the two sides appeared to be holding.

That power struggle overlaid widespread street protests that began earlier in the year, inspired by the uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt, calling for democratic reforms and an end to Saleh's rule.

As word spread that Saleh had left for Saudi Arabia, thousands of people in Yemen began celebrating.

In Sanaa, crowds gathered in University Square - the epicentre of the protest movement - singing and dancing and holding placards that celebrated the president's departure.

President Saleh - who at times used brute force to try to quell demonstrations - had agreed to a deal brokered by the Gulf Co-operation Council that would see him step down in return for an amnesty from prosecution. However, he has so far refused to sign the deal.