Four Russian citizens have been killed in the ongoing conflict in Yemen, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry.

The fighting in Damaj, a town in the Yemeni province of Saada, between Shi'ite Houthi rebels and Sunni Islamist tribesmen started in November, when Houthi fighters attacked Salafis. According to the Russian embassy, there are 36 Russians in the town, among them students and members of their families, including children.

“According to the information received, 60 radicals were killed, including four Russian citizens,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement. “The students went to Yemen illegally, ignoring the rules on leaving Russia, and did not contact the Russian embassy or consulate.”

The statement reads that the Russian embassy contacted the Yemeni authorities “to find information on Russians and assist Russian citizens in leaving the besieged town,” RIA Novosti reported.