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A surge in fighting has been reported in northern Yemen, leaving an estimated 150,000 people displaced, mainly in Saada province. Clashes between Abdul-Malik al-Houthi's Shi'ite rebels and the government have been intermittent since 2004. Journalists and diplomats are barred from the area and aid agency operations have been impeded by security concerns. The rebels, who have denounced Yemen's close relationship with the US, are part of a tribal minority who follow the Zaydi branch of Shi'ite Islam in a predominantly Sunni Muslim country. They say they are protecting their villages from government oppression. North Yemen united with the secular and Marxist South in 1990, where a secessionist movement has also been operating since 2007. Read more on the background to the conflict on AlertNet here: http://www.alertnet.org/db/crisisprofiles/YE_CLA.htm Read more on the situation of children on IRIN: http://www.irinnews.org/Report.aspx?ReportId=86039 Further information