The Houthi rebels have been closing in on key buildings in Sanaa
Yemeni Prime Minister Mohammed Basindwa has resigned amid escalating clashes in the capital between Shia Houthi rebels and pro-government forces.
The rebels also claim to have taken over government headquarters, key ministries and state broadcasters.
Scores have died and hundreds have fled their homes in the latest crisis.
The latest development comes a day after a UN envoy announced a truce deal - yet to be signed - between the government and the rebels.
The Houthis, based in Yemen's mountainous north, have been advancing on the capital for weeks, skirmishing with rivals and organising mass protests calling for greater rights.
The rebels had been due to sign a power-sharing deal, announced late on Saturday by the United Nations envoy Jamal Benomar.
But as the fighting intensified on Sunday, Mr Basindwa said he would resign in order to pave the way for agreement between the rebels and President Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi.
Clashes intensified on Sunday despite reports of a truce deal
Shelling and gunfire have been heard across the capital, despite the imposition of an overnight curfew.
The latest clashes were centred on a military base in Sanaa, and the Iman university complex, considered to be a stronghold of fighters loyal to Islah.
President Hadi has described the rebel offensive as a "coup attempt".
Yemen has remained unstable since an outbreak of anti-government protests in 2011, which forced the then-President Ali Abdallah Saleh from office.
The Houthis, who belong to the minority Zaidi Shia community, have staged periodic uprisings since 2004 to win greater autonomy for their northern heartland of Saada province.
They consolidated control over Saada during the 2011 uprising and since July have inflicted defeats on tribal and militia groups backed by Islah, in neighbouring Amran province.
More recently they have demanded the president reverse a decision to cut fuel subsidies and replace the government.
CREDIT SOURCE: BBC/NEWS
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