Yemen landmines kill 5 civilians, 12 anti-rebel fighters in central Marib state

Southern Yemeni demonstrators celebrate the 52nd anniversary of the beginning of Yemen's armed struggle against the occupation by Great Britain, during a ceremony in Aden, Yemen, Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2015. The crowds calling for independence from the north gathered despite threats from al-Qaida's Yemen branch against the rally that were circulated on social media. (AP Photo/Wael Qubady) (The Associated Press)

Southern Yemeni demonstrators march for the 52nd anniversary of the beginning of Yemen's armed struggle against the occupation by Great Britain, during a ceremony in Aden, Yemen, Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2015. The crowds calling for independence from the north gathered despite threats from al-Qaida's Yemen branch against the rally that were circulated on social media. (AP Photo/Wael Qubady) (The Associated Press)

Yemeni officials say five civilians and 12 fighters from the forces fighting Shiite rebels known as Houthis were killed this month by rebel-planted mines in a central province.

The officials, medical and security officials from the anti-rebel side, say Wednesday that the Houthis planted the mines before they were pushed out from their last outpost in Marib province last week.

In Taiz province, medical and security officials say 13 Houthis and allied fighters were killed in airstrikes by a Saudi-led coalition, while fierce clashes were ongoing near the provincial capital's airport.

The officials and witnesses spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to the media or for fear of reprisals.