20 reported dead in Yemen fighting

SANAA, Yemen, Sept. 17 (UPI) -- At least 20 people were killed as Shiite Houthi rebels took control of a suburb of Sanaa, Yemen, Wednesday in clashes with government troops.

The Houthis, who adhere to the Zaidi branch of Shia Islam, are attempting to overthrow the Sunni-majority government which they regard as corrupt. An increase in fighting between the Houthis and Sunni tribesmen in September led to anti-government demonstrations and sit-ins in Sanaa, the capital, after government fuel subsidies were cut and fuel prices rose.

Between 12 and 15 rebels were killed in fighting, as well as eight government soldiers. The clashes follow violence in north Yemen Tuesday, away from the capital, in which 22 people died.

The Houthis ended negotiations over their grievances with the government Monday, claiming "foreign intervention" in the discussions. Yemen's stability is a matter of concern to the United States and its allies in the Persian Gulf, with its proximity to Saudi Arabia and to Gulf of Aden oil shipping lanes.