Rebels in Yemen's north seized control of the city of Amran near the country's capital late Tuesday, according to Agence France Presse.
Shiite Houthis have been battling with Sanaa's forces since February, with clashes intensifying over the past three days.
According to AFP's military sources, "Amran is now under the control of the Houthi" rebels. AFP witnesses also confirmed the seize.
Thousands of families have left their homes in Amran due to the escalating clashes that left at least 60 people dead since Saturday and many more wounded.
Shiite Houthi rebels, considered a minority in Yemen, have blamed Sanaa for marginalizing their community for decades. However, with the recent decision earlier this year to divide the country into a six-state federation, the Houthis have been attempting to expand their territory in response to the plan that they say will divide the country into poor and rich regions.
Sanaa's forces have thus been directly fighting with the Houthis in the northern areas since February,as the rebels advance their presence into mountainous areas that are considered strategic en route to the capital.
Amran is located approximately 50 kilometers (30 miles) from the capital and is home to 120,000 people.
