At least 21 reported dead in blast at Yemen rebel rally

A massive explosion has struck in the Yemeni capital of Sanaa, ripping through a gathering of supporters of the rebel Shiite Houthis who recently overran the city.

A television channel that supports the rebels says at least 21 people were killed in the explosion, but the report could not be immediately confirmed.

The blast took place as hundreds of supporters of the Houthis began to gather on the city’s central Tahrir Street.

Houthis called the demonstration to protest against president Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi’s choice for new prime minister, Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak.

Mr bin Mubarak asked the president early today to relieve him from the post.