World Bulletin/News Desk

At least 25 Shiite Houthi militants were killed in an ambush by tribesmen on Friday in central Yemen's flashpoint Al-Bayda' province, a tribal source has said.

"Twenty-five Houthi militants were killed in an ambush set up by tribesmen in Khabza village," the source told Anadolu Agency.

There was no comment from the Houthi group.

Earlier Friday, Houthi militants seized control of Khabza village following a week of deadly confrontations with armed tribesman, eyewitnesses said.

Houthis took control of the village following violent overnight clashes with armed tribesmen in which the Houthis used artillery fire and rockets, an eyewitness told AA.

The Houthis, the witness added, began blowing up the houses of several villagers who have aided the armed tribesman throughout the confrontations over the past week.

Yemen has recently appeared on the verge of civil war, as the Houthis seek to expand their control beyond capital Sanaa, which they took over in late September.

The Houthis' growing influence in the country has pitted the Shiite movement against both Al-Qaeda – which is said to be active in politically fractious Yemen – and allied tribes.

Recent fighting between the warring camps in the country's central and western regions has left dozens dead.