Following of mounting tensions and sporadic clashes in the between the Houthis (a Shiite group headed by Abdel Malek al-Houthi which is now organized under the political denomination: Ansar Allah) and Salafis (Sunni radicals) in the northern province of Sa’ada, a stronghold of the Houthis; Human Rights Minister Hooria Mashour has called for an immediate cease-fire.

As both warring parties have been blaming one another for the surge in violence, Minister Mashour has urged tribal leaders to immediately return to the negotiating table, if anything for the sake of the people of Sa’ada who have been held hostage to religious enmity.

In a statement, Minister Mashour said to be gravely concerned at the number of alleged human rights violations and the increase in violence in Dammaj (where most of the fighting has been taken place). She urged all parties to exert restraint as to prevent further senseless bloodshed.

The Houthis and their religious nemesis, the Salafis have over the past two years been increasingly at odds with one another, as each party has accused the other of trying to impose its religious vision onto the area, thus generating sectarian-based tension throughout the province.

Reports of Islamic Centres and Mosques being broken into or pillaged have been regularly reported since 2011 popular uprising, underscoring growing tensions in the highlands, a region of Yemen which has always been a bastion for Zaidis, a branch of Shiite Islam.

Respite came by the form of the National Dialogue Conference over six months ago when the Houthis agreed to a truce with the Salafis, having agreed to vent their differences on the political arena rather than the streets of Yemen.

However, ever since the Houthis called back their representatives from the NDC, arguing members had failed to give assurances all political factions would be represented fairly and proportionally earlier this month, violence has plagued Sa’ada.

Minister Mashour called, “The people of Yemen are tired of war and violence … war has only ever generated pain and suffering and has left behind only orphans and widows. Hatred only ever profit to warmongers … it leads to poverty and prevent social and economic development.”