Houthi detain activists, critics in Sanaa: source

Yemeni security officials say Houthi rebels have detained a number of activists and critics including a local journalist in the capital, Sanaa.

Saturday's detentions come shortly after the rebels, released three Al Jazeera journalists they kidnapped in the western city of Taiz.

Speaking anonymously in line with regulations, the officials said the detentions are part of a Houthi crackdown on activists and journalists. The officials remain neutral in the conflict that has splintered Yemen.

Yemen has been embroiled in fighting since the Houthis allied with a former president captured large swaths of the country, including Sanaa, over a year ago.

The UN says the war has killed over 5,800 people since March, when a Saudi-led coalition backing the internationally recognized government began launching airstrikes targeting the rebels.

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