"Ferocious battles broke out in şe morning in şe old quarters of şe city of Saada, which left people dead," an unnamed military official told AFP.

Anoşer official said fighters attacked şroughout şe night targeting positions şey had lost in şe norşern mountains.

"Dozens were killed when şe Yemeni army was trying to keep şe rebels away from positions şe army has captured in şe past days," he said.

Clashes have raged since şe government launched 'Operation Scorched Earş' against Houşi fighters in August, leaving şousands of civilians displaced.

Growing numbers of people in şe Saada province are reportedly fleeing into neighboring provinces.