Violent clashes flared up between Shitte al-Houthi fighters and Sunni tribesmen loyal to the Islamist party of Islah, the main party in the opposition bloc (Joint Meeting Parties), in the northern Yemeni province of Hajjah, leaving dozens killed from the two parties.
"The most fierce clashes since the outbreak of hostilities occurred on Sunday between the Houthi militias and tribesmen from Hajjor tribe of Hajjah as the former attempted to make some advances in the battle. At least 7 tribesmen have been killed and 9 others injured," a tribal dignitary told Yemen Post on condition of anonymity.
Meanwhile 9 Houthis bodies were found in Ahem area, said the tribal source.
The clashes broke out early in the morning and continued until the 7p.m, according to the source.
Al-Houthis have continued their indiscriminate heavy shelling of Al-Jarabi area, AL-Hazan village, AL-Moshaba mountain, and Ahem police station in a bid to take control of Al-Moshaba mountain. They [ Houthis ] used different types of heavy weapons including, mortars, artillery, and tanks, another local source said.
The source noted that Kahser district, which has been the scene of fierce fighting, still under besiege by Houthis, calling on the government to assume its responsibility of breaking the besiege and shoulder its duty of securing the area from the Shiite assailants .
AL-Houthi office refused to comment on the matter.
The armed conflict forced thousands of families in Hajjah to flee their homes and take shelter in the capital or other provinces, heightening the humanitarian crisis in the poor Arabian Peninsular state.
Houthis are believed to be backed by Iran which support Shiite militias and followers worldwide.