Ali Saleh Bin Shateah, who is also a former MP, said that Al-Huthi rebels tried to exploit the security lapses in the country to take control of the province. Ali accused the government of supporting the rebels.

"By backing Al-Huthi rebels, the regime wants to humiliate the tribes that supported the revolution."

According to the tribal leader, the fighting  between the Al-Huthis and the opposition tribes started four months ago when the opposition tribes took control of the province and hundreds of people subsequently died in the fighting.

Neither the governor nor military officials have reported for duty in the governorate. The governor is in Sanaa and the security officials fled the area. The province is experiencing severe fuel shortages and public sector employees haven't received their wages since February.

Ali Humeed, the secretary general of Al-Jawf's local council, admitted that pro-opposition forces have overrun the province and it is out of the government's grip.