Houthi fighters in Yemen say they have managed to capture three military bases after fierce fighting with the government forces near the northern city of Sa'ada. The fighters released a statement on Monday, saying that they had seized the military bases after a long battle with Yemeni forces, prompting them to launch attacks against civilians in the area.
According to the report, Yemeni forces targeted and destroyed several residential homes, mosques and historical buildings.
Meanwhile, Yemeni military sources claimed that they killed a dozen fighters during the clashes in the day. They said eight soldiers were also killed in the fighting.
Yemen launched its Operation Scorched Earth against the Shias in the countrys northern provinces in August 2009.
The government accuses the Houthis of violating the terms of a ceasefire in 2009 by taking foreign visitors hostage. The fighters deny the charges, saying they seek to put an end the government's discriminatory policies against Shia minorities.
The attacks have so far killed scores of civilians and displaced thousands of others.