Taiz, Yemen's 3rd largest city, seized by Shia rebels: officials

Source: CBC/AP

Shia rebels backed by supporters of former president Ali Abdullah Saleh seized Yemen's third largest city of Taiz and its airport on Sunday, security and military officials said, as thousands took to the streets in protest.

If the rebels hold onto the city, the capital of Yemen's most populous province, it would be a major blow to embattled current President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi, who established a base in the southern city of Aden just 140 kilometres away after fleeing the rebel-held capital last month.

The seizure comes a day after the rebels, known as Houthis, called for a general mobilization against forces loyal to Hadi, who had just given a defiant speech challenging the Houthis in his first public address since leaving Sanaa.

Brig. Gen. Hamoud al-Harathi, the commander of special forces units based in Taiz, rejected Hadi's legitimacy as president. Meanwhile, thousands demonstrated in the city against both the Houthis and Saleh, prompting the rebels to disperse them by firing into the air and beating them back with batons.

Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/taiz-yemen-s-3rd-largest-city-seized-by-shia-rebels-officials-1.3004649