Hundreds of Yemenis demonstrate in the capital, urging Shiite rebels to leave

SANAA, Yemen – Hundreds of Yemenis are demonstrating in the capital, Sanaa, urging state security forces to return to the streets and demanding the departure of Shiite rebel militias.

The Sunday demonstrations come a day after Yemeni political forces signed a security deal in which the Shiite rebels, known as Hawthis, agreed to disarm their militia and withdraw from areas they recently seized.

The Hawthis' rivals — the Muslim Brotherhood-linked Islah party and other parties — also signed the deal, part of a comprehensive agreement brokered by the United Nations.

"For a secure capital free of armed militias," read a banner raised by demonstrators, who also called for the return of weapons seized by the Hawthis.

Meanwhile, Yemen's local al-Qaida branch claimed responsibility for firing a rocket at the U.S. embassy Saturday.