2 killed in sectarian violence between Salafis and Shiites in Yemen's restive north

SANAA, Yemen – Security officials in Yemen say sectarian clashes in its restive north between rebels and ultraconservative Sunnis have killed two people and injured 12.

Shiite rebels known as Hawthis have been fighting ultraconservative Salafis and jihadists in the city of Damaj in the northern Saada province. Security officials said Friday that 12 people also were injured in recent fighting in the last two days.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief the media.

Serour al-Wadie, a spokesman of the Salafi movement, said Hawthis used mortars and rocket-propelled grenades in an attack Friday on a mosque in Damaj.

Earlier this week, President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi urged both sides to stop the violence in remarks aired on state television.