12 killed in clashes north of Sanaa

SANAA — Security officials and tribal leaders in Yemen say 12 people have been killed in clashes between tribesmen and Shiite rebels north of the capital Sanaa.

They say Shiite Houthi rebels went to the Arhab district late Saturday to search the home of a tribal chief whom the rebels suspected of being allied with the Sunni Islamist Al Slah Party, with which the rebels are at war. Clashes erupted when locals resisted the search, leaving nine rebels and three tribesmen dead.

The officials and tribal leaders say the rebels later destroyed the house, which was believed to be empty. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to brief reporters.

The Houthis swept down from their northern stronghold and captured the capital Sanaa in September.