Alsahwa.net

April 6, 2008- A clash broke out Saturday between al-Houthi rebels and the pro-government Bakhtan tribe in the Al Salem area of Saada province, leaving 12 men from both sides killed.

Tribal sources told Alsahawa.net that at least 6 al-Houthi rebels and 6 other tribesmen were killed in the infighting.

Members of the Bakhtan tribes blame the killing of their chief, Shai Bakhtan in February on Houthi's followers.

The fighting took place as Qatari mediators were attending talks between rebel and government representatives in Saada to implement a Qatari-sponsored deal that ended the army-rebel hostilities in the region last June.