Shiite rebels, allies replace Yemeni governor
A local Yemeni official says Shiite rebels and allied politicians have sacked the governor of a strategic Red Sea province and replaced him with an ally.
The unprecedented move Sunday comes amid a months-long power struggle between the Shiite rebels, known as Houthis, and Yemen's embattled President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi. The rebels, allied with supporters of former President Ali Abdullah Saleh, seized control of the capital Sanaa in September before pushing into the Red Sea province of Hodeida.
The official, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to brief reporters, said Saleh loyalists in the provincial council signed a petition sacking Sakhr al-Wagih, who had protested the Houthi takeover, and appointed Hassan Haij in his place.
