Ceasefire in Yemen after more than 100 killed

A supporter of an Islamic Salafi movement (centre) holds abanner with Arabic writing that reads, ‘Damaj under the fire’,during a demonstration in Sana’a on Saturday.

An official in Yemen says a ceasefire has taken effect between an Islamic Salafi movement and rebels in the country’s restive north following three days of fighting that killed more than 100 people.

Yehia Mansour, a member of a presidential committee tasked with negotiating the cease-fire, said on Saturday that two army battalions would enforce the agreement in the northern Saada province.

Serour al-Wadie, a spokesman for the Sunni Salafi movement, said at least 100 of its fighters were killed in the clashes that began Wednesday.

Tribesmen close to the northern rebels say dozens of Hawthis also were killed in the fighting. They spoke on condition of anonymity out of fear of reprisals.

Animosity runs deep between the Salafis and Hawthis, who had fought against the government.