Thousands to gather in Yemen capital after rebel clashes

SANAA: Thousands of Yemenis were expected to gather in Sanaa on Thursday after deadly clashes between the Huthi rebels and their allies sparked fears of further violence in the capital.

The clashes, which erupted late Wednesday near Sanaa`s Saleh mosque, killed nine Huthis and five supporters of former president Ali Abdullah Saleh, medical sources said.

The infighting threatens to unravel the fragile rebel alliance that has been battling the Saudi-backed government of President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi in Yemen`s war.

Late-night mediation attempts between Saleh and the rebels, who jointly control Sanaa, failed to reconcile both sides, sources in Saleh`s General People`s Congress political



party said. 

On Thursday, thousands were expected at a rally in the capital`s Sabaeen Square to mark the Prophet Muhammed`s birthday. 

Rebel chief Abdulmalik al-Huthi had on Wednesday urged supporters across the country to head to Sanaa for the event.

Saleh and the Iran-backed Huthis, also known as Ansar Allah, have accused one another of inciting Wednesday`s unrest. 

"The General People`s Congress and its allies hold Ansar Allah fully responsible for every drop of bloodshed among the Yemenis... and warn against all acts that, rather than serve national unity, threaten our internal unity and cohesion," the party said in a statement.