Yemeni security forces have killed a rebel leader in renewed clashes in the north of the country, in which dozens of troops and rebels also died, government sources said on Monday. Hussein Kamza, who led rebels in the northern Amran province loyal to Abdul-Malik al-Houthi of the Houthi tribal group, was killed during fighting on Sunday, a government official told Reuters. Clashes continued on Monday, mainly in Saada province in the north of the country, where al-Houthi has his headquarters, officials said. Saada is also where the rebels kidnapped 15 local aid workers last week, according to the province's governor.
Fighting between Yemeni troops backed by fighter aircraft and rebels has killed dozens on both sides since the government launched a wide offensive against the rebels earlier this month after weeks of skirmishes. Yemen on Thursday announced conditions for a ceasefire to end its offensive, but the rebels rejected the truce offer and denied holding any kidnapped civilians.