Fierce fighting between rebels and army in Yemen

Fierce fighting is underway between security forces and rebels of the Shiite Houthi movement in front of the presidential palace in Sana'a, the capital of Yemen, reports the BH news agency Patria.

Reports indicate that two people were killed, and clashes began early Monday. Several hours later, it was reported that 5 were dead and around 20 injured. The rebels have seized the headquarters of state television and the national news agency SABA. Minister of Information Nadia Sakaf said that the convoy of Prime Minister Khalid Bahah was attacked as he was leaving a meeting with President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi and Houthi representatives, where a ceasefire was being discussed.

She added that the Houthi movement's convoy was also attacked, suggesting that a "third party" was involved. However, she did not specify who attacked the vehicles.

Gunfire and explosions can be heard around the presidential palace, while civilians are fleeing.

A military source from the presidential guard accused the rebels of calling in fighters and establishing a checkpoint near the palace. He also claims that the Houthis refused to withdraw and opened fire on the soldiers, after which the army responded.

The situation has been very tense for the past two days, after the Shiite rebel group Houthi abducted the presidential chief of staff. The Houthis, who seek greater rights for the Shiite group in the country, surrounded Sana'a in September and advanced into the central and western parts of the country, where Sunnis are the majority.

An agreement signed in September between political parties and the Houthis called for the formation of a new unity government and the withdrawal of rebel fighters from the capital. However, the fighters remained in their positions.

The Houthis, who have launched attacks on the Yemeni branch of Al-Qaeda, are considered Shiite allies of Iran in the regional struggle with Saudi Arabia for influence. Saudi Arabia has suspended most of its financial aid to Yemen since these rebels emerged.