Yemeni security officials say Shiite rebels who overtook the capital, Sanaa, tried to impose their authority at the city's international airport, setting off clashes with security personnel that left four dead.
The officials said today that three security guards and a rebel were killed in overnight clashes. Two other guards and an airport employee were wounded.
The officials say airport security tried to prevent the Houthi rebels from interfering in airport affairs and trying to search passengers.
The Houthis, widely suspected of having links to Iran, took Sanaa in September and later expanded their offensive to other towns, waging battles with Sunni tribesmen and al-Qaida militants.
The officials said flights were suspended during the clashes. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to media.
