Tribal sources have revealed that a local mediation is underway to bring an end to a sixth war between the government forces and the Houthi rebels in north Yemen.

The sources said the two sides have reached in-principle-agreement, but details about the deal remain undisclosed.

Sheikh Ali Qarsha, member of the former mediator commission between the two sides, is trying to find a suitable mechanism to ensure a true ceasefire is implemented and the two sides are committed to it, the sources said.

" We are in contact with both the government and rebels for a truce after they expressed keenness to ceasefire," Qarsha said, adding the Houthi rebels have also agreed to conditions announced by the government to stop the fighting.

Earlier the government offered a conditional ceasefire for the rebels that called for that the insurgents come down from their positions, withdraw from all Saada areas, eliminate checkpoints they set up in roads and other areas, return military and public equipment seized during battles with the troops and release captured soldiers and locals.

The announcement comes as military operations continue against the rebels, following deadliest weeks for the insurgents in which more than 300 were killed and dozens arrested and surrendering.

Earlier reports noted that Egypt was leading an Arab effort to tackle the year-long conflict in Yemen.

The Egyptian initiative receives support from Jordan, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.

In this regard, Egypt's Foreign Minister and Intelligence Chief arrived in Yemen and handed President Saleh a letter from his Egyptian counterpart Mubarak over the fighting.

According to the U.N., more than 150.000 people have been displaced in Saada and Amran due the recent battles between the troops and the Houthis. The conflict started in 2004, with official statements saying the rebels seek autonomy and accusing them of bids to restore imamate rule.