Houthi Rebels Capture Strategically Important Mountain in Yemeni Capital

Houthi rebels captured part of the Nahdain mountain with a view of the presidential residence, a Yemeni law enforcement source said, adding that the presidential guard used it to attack the insurgents' positions in different parts of the country's capital.

MOSCOW, January 19 (Sputnik) — Shiite Houthi rebels have managed to capture a strategically important mountain close to the presidential palace in the country's capital Sanaa, a Yemeni law enforcement source told Sputnik on Monday.

"The Houthi rebels captured part of the Nahdain mountain, with a view of the presidential residence and where a third brigade of the presidential guard, considered to be one of the strongest military brigades, is based," the source told Sputnik.

According to the source, the mountain is strategically important, and the presidential guard "used it to attack the Houthi positions in different parts of the city." The source noted that clashes between rebels and Yemeni Army are have not ceased.

Following Houthi attacks on the presidential palace, Yemeni president Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi formed a special ceasefire committee. The attacks have been branded "violent" by a Yemeni security source.

The Houthis, the country's main opposition movement, played an important role in driving out President Ali Abdullah Saleh in 2012. The group staged major protests and occupied several cities, demanding the resignation of the government. In September, the Houthi insurgency spread to Sanaa.