Saudi-led coalition jets, which have bombed Yemeni rebel positions since March, intervened when "dozens of soldiers defected and announced their support" for Shiite Huthi rebels yesterday, prompting clashes with pro-government troops, the military source said.
The incident took place at the 23rd Mechanised Brigade, stationed near the border with Saudi Arabia and left "at least 30 soldiers killed and dozens wounded" on both sides, he told AFP.
Troops loyal to former president Ali Abdullah Saleh have joined forces with the Huthi rebels, who seized the capital almost unresisted in September before advancing southwards in the impoverished Gulf country.
Saudi Arabia fears the Huthis are trying to bring Yemen under the influence of Shiite Iran.
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