Fighting continues in Yemen’s third largest city, Taiz, despite the implementation of the Gulf Cooperation Council deal in the capital.

Five civilians were killed Friday as fighting between loyalist troops and opposition tribesmen continued in Taiz. Three Yemeni soldiers were also killed. Yemen’s state news agency reported that the Taiz governor ordered an immediate ceasefire Thursday evening. Taiz residents reported that at least five civilians were killed by government shelling, which focused on al Rawda, al Hasab, and al Noor neighborhoods. Opposition tribesmen retaliated, killing five soldiers and injuring 15 others in clashes, according to a security source. At least four tribesmen were also killed.

Attackers reportedly threw a bomb at the commander of a volunteer militia in Lawder in Abyan governorate. The commander was injured and another person was killed in the attack. The militia force is fighting al Qaeda-linked militants in the area.

Republican Guard forces have deployed to break the siege of Beit Dahrah north Sana’a. Yemeni military sources reported that ten tanks and about 250 troops had been stationed in Aya traffic circle awaiting reinforcements. Opposition tribesmen attacked the base on November 21.

Ruling and opposition party officials have reportedly agreed on the distribution of Yemen’s 34 cabinet positions, under the terms of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) deal. Sources said the General People’s Congress (GPC) will control the Ministries of Defense, Oil and Minerals, Foreign Affairs, and Telecommunication, among others. The Joint Meeting Parties (JMP), Yemen’s opposition bloc, will control the Ministries of Interior, Finance, Information, and House of Representatives and Shura Council, among others.