Yemen PM resigns amid escalating clashes

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) Yemeni Prime Minister Mohammed Basindwa has resigned amid escalating clashes in the capital between Shia Houthi rebels and pro-government forces.

The rebels also claim to have taken over government headquarters, key ministries and state broadcasters.

Scores have died and hundreds have fled their homes in the latest crisis.

The latest development comes a day after a UN envoy announced a truce deal – yet to be signed – between the government and the rebels.

The Houthis, based in Yemen’s mountainous north, have been advancing on the capital for weeks, skirmishing with rivals and organising mass protests calling for greater rights.

The rebels had been due to sign a power-sharing deal, announced late on Saturday by the United Nations envoy Jamal Benomar.

But as the fighting intensified on Sunday, Mr Basindwa said he would resign in order to pave the way for agreement between the rebels and President Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi. /End/