Fierce clashes flared up in the northern Yemeni province of Hajjah between Shiite al-Houthi followers and Sunni tribal alliance fighters, claiming the lives of at least 55 and wounding scores of others.

Al-Houthi rebels carried out an offensive on Sunday and Monday on some Sunni-held posts in Kashar area of Hajjah; however, the tribesmen expected the attack and, therefore, managed to repel it, a local source told Yemen Post.


"The clashes continued for more than non-stop 10 hours, leaving at least 40 Houthis as well as 15 tribesmen killed. Not to mention the large number of the unspecified causalities from the two sides," said the local source, who requested to remain anonymous.

Al-Houthi rebels have reportedly come in large number to Hajjah to reinforce their fighters based in the province, following the huge prophetic cradle ceremony they held on Saturday, which was attended by tens of thousands of Shiite supporters from across the country.


Sectarian violence in Hajjah and Sadda between Salafis and Shiites has broken out when the latter sought to expand its sway in the area.

Al-Houthis took over Sadda lately, taking advantage of the recent unrest the fragmented-state is currently experiencing.

Sadda has witnessed six wars between Army troops and al-Houthi Shiite fighters, leaving thousands killed from the two sides, forcing tens of thousands to flee their homes, and triggering a catastrophic humanitarian crisis.

Regional power, Saudi Arabia, has voiced its gravest concerns of Houthis' activities and urged Yemen to take swift action to establish government control over the borders.