Fighting resumes between Houthis, extremist pro-Salafi terrorists

New clashes have erupted between Houthi fighters and pro-Salafi militants following the recent seizure of militant strongholds by the Houthis in northern Yemen.

The militants have launched missiles at civilian homes in the northern town of Houth in Amran Province.

This comes after Houthi fighters took control of the town as well as the village of Khamri from pro-Salafi tribal gunmen on Sunday.

The advances are considered huge victories for the Shia fighters following weeks of battles with the pro-Salafi militants.

The Houthi fighters and gunmen from the Hashid tribe have been engaged in heavy fighting since early January.

The Houthis say Hashid tribesmen are helping the Salafi groups fighting against them in the city of Dammaj in Sa’ada Province and have turned the city into a safe haven for thousands of foreign militants.

Hundreds of people have lost their lives in the clashes since October.

The Houthis also blame the government for political, economic, and religious marginalization of the country’s Shia community and violating their civil rights.

On January 21, the Houthi movement withdrew from the national reconciliation talks following the assassination of the group’s envoy to the negotiations. Ahmad Sharafeddin was gunned down by unknown gunmen in Sana’a. He was the second representative of the Houthi movement to the negotiations have been assassinated.