Rebel Houthis seize Yemen’s state media, fight near president palace

Yemen President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi is challenged by Iran-backed Shiite Houthi rebels fighting near his palace in Sanaa. Monday, the rebels seized state-run television and the official SABA news agency in the capital. The convoy of the prime minister came under fire. Information minister Nadia Sakkaf described the situation as “a step towards a coup.” Witnesses report heavy machine gun fire and artillery shells falling around the presidential palace. Civilians in the area fled as columns of black smoke rose over the compound. Ambulances raced through the streets to collect casualties.