Huge explosions rocked Yemen's capital city of Sanaa as the forces clashed with Houthi militants near the presidential palace.
Sources told the Yemen Post Houthi militants living in the area tried to seize the palace but the forces fought and prevented them.
"The clashes started early today and are still continuing. The forces have shelled positions of the militants with tanks," one of the sources said on condition of anonymity.
"There were casualties but no one could get a specific figure. Ambulances rushed to the area including those for Houthis," the source added.
Tens of families living in the area have fled.
The battles come amid rising tensions between the presidency and the Houthi Militant Group after the abduction of an aide of the president by Houthis.
Dr. Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak was abducted two days ago from the capital with the draft constitution.
Houthis are now putting pressure on president Abdu Rabbu Mansour Hadi to modify some provisions of the new constitution in return for the release of bin Mubarak.