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Supporters of Shiite rebel group block main roads in Yemen's capital

Associated Press
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In this photo provided by Yemen's Defense Ministry, Yemeni President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi, left, speaks to members of the government and the parliament during a meeting in Sanaa, Yemen, Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2014. The Yemeni president on Tuesday dismissed the Cabinet including the prime minister who led it for two years, while partially reversing an earlier decision to lift fuel subsidies in a bid to end a standoff with Shiite rebels holding anti-government protests across the country. (AP Photo/Yemen's Defense Ministry) (The Associated Press)

In this photo provided by Yemen's Defense Ministry, members of the government and parliament attend a meeting chaired by Yemeni President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi during a meeting in Sanaa, Yemen, Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2014. The Yemeni president on Tuesday dismissed the Cabinet including the prime minister who led it for two years, while partially reversing an earlier decision to lift fuel subsidies in a bid to end a standoff with Shiite rebels holding anti-government protests across the country. (AP Photo/Yemen's Defense Ministry) (The Associated Press)

In this photo provided by Yemen's Defense Ministry, members of the government and parliament attend a meeting chaired by Yemeni President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi in Sanaa, Yemen, Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2014. The Yemeni president on Tuesday dismissed the Cabinet including the prime minister who led it for two years, while partially reversing an earlier decision to lift fuel subsidies in a bid to end a standoff with Shiite rebels holding anti-government protests across the country. (AP Photo/Yemen's Defense Ministry) (The Associated Press)

Dozens of supporters of a Shiite rebel group demanding the reinstatement of fuel subsidies have blocked major roadways in Yemen's capital Sanaa in an escalation of its standoff with the government.

Supporters of the group, known as the Hawthis, on Wednesday brandished arms and batons while using tires and cement blocks to divert traffic from main roads, including a boulevard that leads to government buildings and state institutions. Tanks were positioned in front of the parliament and TV buildings.

The disruption of traffic comes a day after Yemeni President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi dismissed the Cabinet and announced a reduction of fuel prices in an attempt to resolve the crisis.