This was the second truce declared by the government since the army launched its latest offensive on Houthi bases Aug 11. It is the latest flare-up in the fighting that has raged on and off since the Houthis' revolt began in mid-2004.

On Sep 4, authorities announced a truce to allow access for humanitarian aid to civilians displaced by the fighting in Saada and Amran provinces.

The first truce collapsed three hours after it took effect, and both sides traded blame for breaking it.

Hundreds of insurgents, troops and civilians have been killed and around 150,000 people were forced to leave their villages during the past five weeks, according to unofficial estimates.

Authorities accuse the Shia group of seeking to restore the rule of the Zaydi royal family, which was toppled by a republican revolution in 1962.

The Houthis say they are in revolt against government corruption and the Yemeni alliance with the US.