Twelve Houthi militants were killed on Friday in clashes with tribal militants in the Yemeni district of Arhab, north of the capital, Sanaa.

The clashes have been erupted between the Houthi and tribal militants after Houthis tried to detain a number of Arhab residents.

The residents of Arhab refused to hand over the wanted people, clashing with the Houthi group, claiming the lives of 12 and detaining four others, said local sources.

The sources added that clashes are underway after Houthi military reinforcement arrived at the scene.

Yemen has been rocked by months of fighting between the Houthis and loyalists of Yemeni President Abdrabu Mansur Hadi, supported by the Arab coalition, leaving thousands dead and 21 million people in need of urgent aid.