Houthis announce takeover of Yemen

Yemen’s Shiite rebels announced Friday that they have taken over the country and dissolved parliament, a dramatic move that finalizes their monthslong power grab, The Associated Press reported.

The development also pushes the country further into chaos and threatens to turn the political power struggle into a full-blown civil and sectarian conflict, pitting Houthi Shiites against the country’s majority Sunnis, including powerful tribesmen and secessionists in the south.

It could also play into the hands of Yemen’s Al-Qaeda branch, the world’s most dangerous offshoot of the terror group, and jeopardize the U.S. counterterrorism operations in the country.

The declaration was read out by TV announcer who said the move marked “a new era that will take Yemen to safe shores.” It was televised to the nation on the rebels’ television network, Al-Masseria TV.

An audience of hundreds of supporters, including former officials, at the Republican Palace in the capital, Sanaa, clapped furiously.

The takeover statement placed Houthis’ security and intelligence arm, known as the “Revolutionary Committee,” as the ruler of Yemen.