16 killed in fresh clashes between Houthis, militants in Yemen
Iran Press TV
Sat Oct 18, 2014 1:15PM GMT
Over a dozen people have been killed in southern Yemen as renewed heavy clashes flare up between fighters from the Shia Houthi Ansarullah movement and al-Qaeda-linked militants.
Medics and local officials said at least sixteen people were killed on Saturday in fighting between Houthi members and militants linked to al-Qaeda in the city of Ibb, situated 194 kilometers (121 miles) south of the capital, Sana'a.
At least six other fighters were killed near the same area on Friday
Ansarullah fighters entered Ibb on October 15 onboard dozens of armored vehicles, and set up security checkpoints there.
Also on Friday, Houthi fighters took control of the strategic town of Rada' in the central province of al-Bayda, and mounted checkpoints.
Al-Qaeda-linked militants were controlling the town for nearly two years.
In September, Ansarullah revolutionary fighters gained control over Sana'a, following a four-day battle with army forces loyal to General Ali Mohsen al-Ahmar, the half-brother of former dictator, Ali Abdullah Saleh.
The Ansarullah movement played a major role in the popular uprising that forced Saleh to step down after more than 33 years in power.
Yemen has been facing threats from al-Qaeda-linked militants, as well as a separatist movement in the country's southern region.
MP/KA/SS
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