On Saturday, armed clashes were broke out between Yemeni government forces and the Houthi militants in the central province of Marib and resulted in murdered to as many as 24 from the two parties, emphasized local government military sources.

The sources affirmed that the armed clashes erupted in al-Alam area in Sirwah district on Saturday morning and lasted for hours, during which the government forces repelled an attempted advance by the Houthi militants.

One of the sources in Marib informed Xinhua by phone on condition of secrecy, "Nine soldiers and at least 15 rebels were killed in the battle, as well as dozens from both sides were wounded."

"Five Houthi fighters were captured by the troops following the battle," according to another source.