Updated

Yemeni security officials say the country's defense minister has fled the capital, Sanaa, to join President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi in Aden.

The officials say Maj. Gen. Mahmoud al-Subaihi arrived in Aden at dawn Sunday.

They say the Shiite Houthi rebels who control the capital stormed al-Subaihi's house but found only several guards there.

Hadi and his Cabinet resigned after rebels took control of the presidential palace but al-Subaihi accepted to stay in Sanaa as acting defense minister under threats from the Houthis.

Hadi fled to Aden last month, where he withdrew his resignation and declared himself the country's legitimate leader.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because of fear of reprisal from the Houthi rebels.