Violent clashes flared up on Friday, breaking a fragile ceasefire brokered by tribal mediation to end the sectarian fighting, between Shiite Houthi fighters and Sunni tribesmen in the northern Yemeni province of Hajjah.
"Fierce clashes took place in Aham district between al-Houthi rebels and local tribesmen on Friday, leaving at least 18killed and scores others wounded from the two sides," local tribal dignitary told Yemen Post, requesting anonymity.
Two wounded tribesmen are in a very critical condition, said the local source.
"Al-Houthis have breached the briefed ceasefire agreement, which was signed on Thursday by representatives from the two parties, by attacking some posts of the Sunni Tribal alliance." The source added.
Local media quoted, Abdullah Wahban, a member of the tribal mediation committee, as saying" efforts are ongoing to stop the clashes and apply the ceasefire agreement,"
Wahban called on al-Houthis to stop their obstinacy and retreat to their hometown of Saddah as stated in the agreement, the local media reported.
Sectarian clashes broke out in the far northern Yemeni provinces of Hajjah and Sadaa when al-Houthis sought to expand their authority to adjacent areas.
Shiite minority in Yemen have called for boycotting the forthcoming presidential elections, describing it a sham as it has only a sole candidate.
Al-Houthis supported and participated in the uprising against the 33-rule-year rule of President Ali Abdullah Saleh, who signed a deal under which he relinquished power to Vice President Abdu Rabu Mansour Hadi, the consensus candidate for the upcoming presidential elections due to take place on February 21, in exchange for immunity from prosecution.
Saudi Arabia have voiced their gravest concerns over Shiite control of some areas in Yemen, and called the National Unity Government to regain control of Sadaa.