Yemen's president warns Shiite rebels holding mass rallies that US opposes demonstrations

SANAA, Yemen – Yemen's president has warned Shiite rebels leading mass protests in the country's capital that the United States and other world powers oppose the demonstrations.

President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi's remarks Wednesday, carried by Yemen's official SABA news agency, came as Hawthi leader Abdel-Malek al-Hawthi vowed to continue the demonstrations until his demands are met. The protesters want Yemen's government to step down and for fuel subsidies to be restored.

Tens of thousands of Hawthi supporters have been rallying in the capital for a second week, setting up tents near ministries and sending armed men to take positions on rooftops, alarming security authorities and prompting Hadi to order deployment of special forces to the capital.

Months ago, Hawthis defeated conservative Sunni tribesmen in northern cities.