Yemen denies clashes with the followers of al-Houthi in Sadah

The security director in Sadah governorate in Yemen Maj. Gen. Muhammad Saleh denied the occurrence of clashes between the security forces and supporters of Bader Eddine al-Houthi on Wednesday, noting that several persons among those who were involved in the clashes of the two past days were arrested.

However, news agencies quoted sources in the Yemeni police that some 16 gunmen were killed in clashes took place on Tuesday and Wednesday in Sadah governorate north of Yemen between the security forces and supporters of Sheikh Bader Eddine al-Houthi. Sources in Sadah said that clashes took place when the gunmen refused to hand over their weapons.

A police source who asked to be anonymous said that ten rebels at least were killed on Wednesday morning, while other six were killed on late Tuesday evening in clashes concentrated in Jabal Qahra al-Nisf area in Sadaah.

Reporters said that more that 500 soldiers and police men backed by tanks and armored vehicles closed areas from the governorate and prevented journalists from having access to it.