16 REBELS ARRESTED IN YEMEN

SAADA, Oct. 04 (Saba) - 16 Houthi rebels have been arrested as the
army continued to comb many areas in northern Yemen.

Six of the group were arrested at the checkpoint of Alzeela and tens
were seized in the Saada district.

The security forces also seized weapons as they raided rebel
strongholds and hideouts.

In the meantime, the troops continue to battle the insurgents at
farms and cleanse other areas of them.

They also eliminated landmines planted by the rebels and repelled
attacks causing the rebel big life and material losses.

The army launched early August an offensive against the Houthi
rebels in Yemen's northern provinces of Saada and Amran that was
triggered by continuous rebel violence and lawbreaking.

Hundreds of the rebels were killed in recent weeks as the army said
the troops were gaining victories, destroying insurgent positions
and seizing their weapons.

The army has been battling the Houthi followers since 2004, with the
government offering several truces that were rejected by the
Houthis.

The latest was offered few weeks ago, suggesting the rebels hand
their weapons, stop subversion, eliminate checkpoints, withdraw from
Saada districts, and return public and military equipment seized
during battles with the troops.

FR