Updated

Yemen's Shiite rebels are heading to Kuwait to resume UN-mediated talks, amid threats of boycott by the Saudi-backed, internationally-recognized government.

Negotiators who left on Thursday are representatives of Ansar Allah, the political arm of the rebel Houthi movement, which has controlled the capital Sanaa since 2014.

Previous peace talks failed to bridge the gap between the warring parties while a ceasefire that went into effect in April was marred with multiple breaches by both sides.

President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi demands implementation of the UN security council resolution which stipulates the withdrawal of militias from all cities. The Houthis demand a share of power in the new government.