FOUR HOUTHIS KILLED IN SAADA

SAADA, June 03 (Saba)- Four members of the al-Houthi group have been killed in a clash with citizens from the area of Haydan in Saada province.

The security services in Saada said on Thursday the al-Houthis had intercepted a number of Saada citizens as they were distributing an anti-Houthism statement issued by Zaidi clerics.

“The attempt to prevent the distribution of the statement turned into an armed clash between the two parties, killing 4 Houthis”.

The security authorities accused of the al-Houthis of terrorizing the citizens and undermining security and stability in the province.

In February, President Ali Abdullah Saleh decided to halt the military operations of a sporadic six-year war between government troops and the al-Houthis. The last round of the war was erupted in August 2009.

Upon the ceasefire deal, the al-Houthis pledged to apply ceasefire, eliminate landmines, leave positions and hideouts, withdraw from all districts of Saada, stop interference in the local government's duties, return looted military and public equipment and properties of Yemen and Saudi Arabia, release Yemeni and Saudi captives, obey Yemen’s laws and constitution and not to attack Saudi lands.

Since the ceasefire was brought into effect on February 11, committees overseeing its implementation have reported many violations by the group, including exchanges of fire, kidnapping civilians and soldiers and attacking properties.

Security sources said that the group is seeking to cleans tribal elders who supported the army during the operations against the insurgency.

YA