Sanaa, Dec 2 (IANS): At least 40 persons, including civilians, died and dozens were wounded on Saturday here in the fighting between Houthi rebels and their allies, the forces loyal to former Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh.

Fighting started overnight when the Houthis tried to access the houses of several commanders of the Republican Guard, which is loyal to Saleh, and leaders of the General People's Congress party, run by the former President, reports Efe news agency that cited sources from both camps and eyewitnesses.

The clashes took place in the neighbourhoods of Haddad, Baghdad and al-Jazair and in the political district where Saleh's residence is located.

Several residents said the Houthi rebels used tanks and armored vehicles to try to attack the regions, in which Saleh's supporters are present.

Explosions were heard in the Yemeni capital until dawn and the neighbourhoods are closed to passersby on Saturday.

The confrontations between the Houthi rebels and Saleh supporters were so far the bloodiest.

Both sides have fought against the internationally-recognised government of Yemeni President Abdo Rabbo Mansour Hadi, backed by the Saudi Arabia-led Arab coalition since March 2015.