Security forces in northern Yemen have killed 100 Shiite rebels and injured 280 others.

For several years Shiite rebels have been fighting for an independent state. They say they are being discriminated by fundamentalist Sunni Muslims, who have been extending their control over the country after it improved its ties with Saudi Arabia.

Since August government forces have been conducting a fresh offensive against the rebels in the north. Aid organisations are now warning of a humanitarian disaster in the area. Some 150,000 people have fled the region since an insurrection began five years ago.