Yemen Shiite rebels seize city near capital

SANAA (AFP) – Yemeni Shiite rebels seized control Tuesday of the northern city of Amran, near the capital Saana, after three days of fierce fighting, an official said.

“Amran is now under the control of the Huthi” rebels, who are also known as Ansarullah, said the official, whose remarks were confirmed by military sources and witnesses questioned by AFP.

Amran, 50 kilometres (30 miles) north of Sanaa, is home to an estimated 120,000 people.