Six soldiers wounded as offensives against rebels intensify

SAADA, Aug 16 (Saba) -
Government forces have intensified offensives against the Houthi rebels in the
northern
province of Saada, paralyzing their movement and arresting some fighters, Defense
minister has said.
In the meantime, the Interior ministry reported six soldiers were injured in the
clashes with the rebels and rushed to hospital.
On the other hand, the International Relief Organization revealed that the Houthi
followers have sued the displaced people in the al-Anad camp as human shields when
the
forces expanded offensives.
Days ago, the army launched offensives against the rebels who continued to violate
laws and commit destructive acts.
On Thursday, the government announced conditions for a ceasefire which was rejected
by the rebels. The conditions included that the rebels withdraw from all districts
of
Saada, eliminate checkpoints and hand over their weapons.
Battles between the Houthis loyal to leader Badr al-Din al-Houthi, dead, started in
2004 when the rebels started to form militias and interfere in the local
government's
duties.
In 2008, a truce was reached between the two sides and confrontations ended until
skirmishes started early this year.
Recent reports noted that the rebels have killed and hurt about 172 people and
destroyed thousands of homes since the truce was declared in July.
FR