A Yemeni lifts a portrait of Houthi leader Abdulmalik al-Houthi during a ceremony marking the birth anniversary of Islam's Prophet Mohammad, in Sanaa on Sept 27, 2023. (PHOTO / AFP)

SANAA - Yemen's Houthi rebels on Wednesday sacked their "cabinet" which controls the country's north, amid the eruption of mass protests.

The decision was announced by the group's leader Abdulmalik al-Houthi during a celebration to mark the birthday of the Muslim prophet Mohammed in the capital Sanaa.

"The formation of a new competent cabinet will serve as a first stage of essential change ... to correct policies, serve the people, and address economic problems," the rebel leader said in a televised speech.

The confrontations erupted first on the eve of Tuesday when people gathered in Al-Tahrir Square in downtown Sanaa to mark the 61st anniversary of September Revolution Day. This annual event celebrated on Sept 26 marks the ousting of Imam Muhammad al-Badr on this date in 1962, which led to the establishment of the Yemen Arab Republic

The move came a day after widespread confrontations between the rebel forces and residents across the streets of Sanaa and the provinces of Hodeidah and Ibb.

The protesters had been demanding various improvements, including salaries, better government services, access to electricity and clean water, and measures to counter economic decline.

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The confrontations erupted first on the eve of Tuesday when people gathered in Al-Tahrir Square in downtown Sanaa to mark the 61st anniversary of September Revolution Day. This annual event celebrated on Sept 26 marks the ousting of Imam Muhammad al-Badr on this date in 1962, which led to the establishment of the Yemen Arab Republic.

Houthi security forces reportedly used live ammunition to disperse the demonstrators, resulting in numerous injuries and arrests. Tanks, armored vehicles, and armed personnel were also deployed throughout the streets.

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The Houthi group has been facing increasing pressure from the residents in their areas amid rapid economic deterioration.

Yemen has been mired in a civil war since late 2014 when the Iran-backed Houthi militia seized control of several northern provinces and forced the Saudi-backed Yemeni government out of the capital.

The war has killed tens of thousands of people and pushed the country to the brink of starvation. 

Separately, Yemen's Prime Minister Maeen Abdul-Malik Saeed urged the government's military forces Wednesday to remain vigilant against Houthi attacks.

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Abdul-Malik made this call during a meeting with top military leaders in the southern port city of Aden, where he discussed with the generals the ongoing situation "amid escalating violence by Houthi rebels," according to the state-run Saba news agency.

Abdul-Malik expressed deep concern about the recent uptick in Houthi attacks, which openly defy regional and international efforts to bring peace and revive the stalled political process in Yemen.