SANAA: Yemeni authorities imposed a curfew on Saturday on parts of the capital, wracked by deadly fighting between Shia rebels and pro-government forces despite UN efforts to reach a ceasefire.

The combat, which has taken dozens of lives this week, prompted both a suspension of international flights to Sanaa and an interruption of broadcasts by state television for the second straight day.

Forces allied to the government have been battling to halt the rebels, who swept into Sanaa from their mountain stronghold in the northwest weeks ago and set up camps to press an array of political demands.

A security committee chaired by President Abdrabuh Mansur Hadi decreed an overnight curfew, from 9pm to 6am, in Sanaa’s northwestern districts of Shamlan, Al-Madhbah, Thabat and Balaa.

This week’s fighting has raising fears that the capital could fall to the rebels, who are demanding economic and political reforms.

“The suspension of the flights of Arab and foreign countries is continuing,” an airport source said.

The only aircraft to touch down since Friday was a military plane bringing UN envoy Jamal Benomar back from the rebel stronghold of Saada.

Published in Dawn, September 21st , 2014