World Bulletin / News Desk

Shiite Houthis have entered Yemen's central city of Al-Bayda – capital of the flashpoint province of the same name – without resistance, eyewitnesses have said.

According to witnesses, Houthi armored vehicles were deployed on main roads across the city without encountering resistance from the army or Sunni tribesmen.

In recent months, members of the Shiite Houthi movement have fought with armed tribesmen for control of the strategic province, leaving hundreds of dead and injured.

The Houthis emerged as a formidable political and military force in Yemen after assuming control of capital Sanaa last September before moving on to establish control over other parts of the country.

On Friday, the Houthi leadership issued a "constitutional declaration" dissolving parliament and establishing a 551-member "transitional council."

According to the declaration, pro-Houthi "revolutionary committees" will form a transitional council to replace the dissolved assembly.