Yemeni president warns of sectarian fighting as clashes between rebels, Islamists continue

SANAA, Yemen – Yemen's president is warning of sectarian violence in his country after deadly clashes continued for a second week in the restive northern part of the country between rebels from a branch of Shiite Islam and ultraconservative Sunnis.

In remarks aired by state TV, President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi denounced "sectarian fighting that does not serve the security or stability of the nation."

Rebels known as Hawthis are clashing with ultraconservative Salafis and jihadists in the city of Damaj, in the northern Saada province.

Hadi called for both sides to practice "self-restraint."

A U.N. envoy to Yemen, Jamal Benomar, was in contact with both camps to end the fighting.

Since Wednesday, at least a hundred people have reportedly died in fighting between the two groups.