January 20, 2015
SANAA - Houthi fighters entered Yemen's presidential palace after a brief clash with the compound's security guards, witnesses and security sources told Reuters, a day after some of the worst battles in the capital in years.
Guards at the presidential palace housing the main office of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi said they handed over the compound to Houthi fighters after a brief clash. Witnesses said there was a brief clash between a Houthi force and palace guards.
Witnesses also said they saw the Houthis seize armored vehicles that had been guarding the entrances to the palace.
The Houthis on Monday fought artillery battles with the army near the presidential palace, in some of the most intense fighting in Sanaa in years, and surrounded the prime minister's residence.
Nine people were killed and 90 wounded before a ceasefire came into force on Monday evening.
