CRI听力:Shiite Houthi Gunmen Seize Presidential Palace in Yemen's Capital

Yemen's Houthi rebels have seized the presidential palace in the capital Sannaa a day after they signed a ceasefire deal with the government that ended deadly clashes.

A government source says no clashes happened as the guards at the palace handed over their arms and left.

The Shiite rebels also shelled President Abdo Rabbu Mansour Hadi's home, accusing the president of violating last year's power-sharing agreement.

Last September, the Houthis seized control of most of the capital, but under a power-sharing deal the country's president and government were left in place.

The rebels and the presidential guards engaged in fierce clashes on Monday near the presidential palace, leaving 9 people dead.

The two sides then reached a ceasefire deal and agreed to set up a committee to monitor the truce.

The chaotic situation in Yemen has prompted the UN Security Council to hold an emergency meeting.

UN chief Ban Ki-moon has called for an immediate halt to hostilities.

Stephane Dujarric is Ban's spokesperson.

"The Secretary-General calls on all sides to immediately cease all hostilities, exercise maximum restraint and take the necessary steps to restore full authority to the legitimate government institutions."

A popular uprising in 2011 forced out long-time Yemeni leader Ali Abdullah Saleh.

President Hadi was then elevated to the post as part of a deal brokered by Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries.

Both Hadi and Saleh have collaborated closely with US attacks on Sunni militants in Yemen.