A series of huge explosions and heavy gunshots between government forces and armed tribes loyal to opposition leader Sheikh Sadiq al-Ahmar erupted on Tuesday, breaking down a cease-fire deal earlier in the week between both sides, a security official said.

The official told Xinhua that fighting has been going on since Monday evening, in which the armed tribes of Sheikh al-Ahmar, the chieftain of powerful Hashid tribes' confederation, re-controlled the Ministry of Local Administrative, two days after they informally stroke a truce with government forces and handed the ministry over to a mediation committee.

"Government forces are shelling all hideouts of al-Ahmar's gang after the later broke down the cease-fire deal by opening fire on government buildings and policemen," the official said on condition of anonymity.

"In Dhahban area, near the state television north of the capital Sanaa, security forces shelled a building of Shiesh Aiyeedh Hussein, who and his armed tribes are loyal to Sadiq al- Ahmar and involved in opening fire on the military camp in the area," he said.

"The government forces were also shelling many hideouts of al- Ahmar's fighters in the capital Sanaa, including Tunisia Street in west, in Maribcross roads in eastern Sanaa and the main stronghold compound of al-Ahmar in Hassaba district in downtown Sanaa," he added.

VietNamNet/Xinhuanet