Shia rebels in Yemen besiege university run by Sunni radicals

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/sep/18/yemen-shiite-sunni-rebels-university-houthi

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Security officials say Shia rebels have reached a suburb of Yemen's capital, Sana'a, where they are fighting Sunni militias and besieging a university run by one of the nation's best-known Sunni radicals.

The officials say Thursday's fighting in Shamlan has forced thousands to flee their homes, but they have no word on casualties. They say the rebels, known as Houthis, are surrounding the Iman University, an institution long viewed as a primary breeding ground for militants.

They say 60 people have been killed in the fighting during the past 48 hours.

The Houthis have recently routed their rivals, expanding the area under their control in northern Yemen.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak to the press.