Sana'a, Yemen  - The Yemeni government accused Shiite rebels late Friday of violating a shaky ceasefire imposed to allow humanitarian operations in north-western Yemen.

The rebels attacked government troops in al-Malahid of the Saada province and in Harf Sufian district of neighbouring Amran province, the Supreme Security Committee said in a statement.

The government declared a ceasefire Friday after the rebels pledged to guarantee safe passage for humanitarian aid to the strife- torn areas.

The reported violations occurred nearly three hours after the truce took effect at 9 pm (1800 GMT) Friday to allow humanitarian operations for about 150,000 people forced from their homes by intense fighting. dpa