The shadow of Shiite rebels, known as Houthis, are cast on a large representation of the Yemeni flag as they attend a demonstration against an arms embargo imposed by the U.N. Security Council on Houthi leaders, in Sanaa, Yemen.

Yemeni security officials say Houthi rebels have detained a number of activists and critics including a local journalist in the capital, Sanaa.

Saturday’s detentions come shortly after the Houthis released three Al-Jazeera journalists they kidnapped in the western city of Taez.

Speaking anonymously in line with regulations, the officials said the detentions are part of a Houthi crackdown on activists and journalists. The officials remain neutral in the conflict that has splintered Yemen.

Yemen has been embroiled in fighting since the Houthis allied with a former president captured large swaths of the country, including Sanaa, over a year ago.

The U.N. says the war has killed over 5,800 people since March, when a Saudi-led coalition backing the internationally recognized government began launching airstrikes targeting the rebels.

Related articles across the web

• Al Jazeera Blocks Anti-Saudi Arabia Article
• Mass prisoner swap under way in Yemen
• Yemen rebels halt peace talks in Switzerland, set conditions
• Yemen rebels halt peace talks in Switzerland, set conditions
• Annual Round-Up: 54 Journalists Held Hostage Worldwide
• Yemen: Houthis Shut Groups, Detain Activists
• Yemen peace talks underway as some rebels ignore cease-fire
• Saudi Airstrikes Pound Yemen as Ceasefire Falters
• Yemen's president, Houthi rebels agree to weeklong ceasefire
• Kerry to chair U.N. Security Council meeting on Syrian