Houthi rebels seize provincial capital near Saudi border
Sanaa
Shiite Houthi rebels yesterday seized a provincial capital in northern Yemen near the border with Saudi Arabia, residents said, a day ahead of UN-sponsored peace talks in Geneva.
The rebels faced little resistance in taking control of al-Hazm, the main city of Jawf province, residents and sources among local pro-government fighters said.
The city lies some 150 kilometres (90 miles) south of the border with Saudi Arabia, which has been leading a campaign of air strikes against the Iran-backed rebels since late March.
"There was very little resistance and the Huthis managed to seize the city and the local government complex," said Mubarak al-Abbadi, a fighter with the Popular Resistance local militia.
Local armed groups known as Popular Resistence units have been formed in several provinces of Yemen to fight the rebels alongside forces loyal to exiled President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said Monday's talks in Geneva are aimed at securing a ceasefire, agreeing on a withdrawal plan for the Huthis and stepping up humanitarian aid deliveries.
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