Yemeni government forces backed by Saudi Arabia say they have recaptured areas from the Houthis around the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait in the Red Sea.
Yemeni officials said forces allied with the internationally recognized government had recaptured the strategic town of Dhubab, just north of the strait.
The forces also captured the towns of Bab and Hadein, according to the officials. Witnesses said they saw government tanks and troops entering the towns.
Since August 6, at least 959 people have been killed in Yemen, 5,000 have been injured and 197,000 have fled their homes.
The government advance was part of a large-scale offensive launched early Monday with air support from a Saudi-led military coalition.
Meanwhile, Pakistan and Turkey agreed with Saudi Arabia to deploy military forces to Yemen under their Mecca defense agreement. The three countries condemned what they described as “attempted attacks on Mecca and Medina,” as well as ongoing attacks on Saudi cities and civilian and economic facilities. The statement did not specify who was considered responsible.
At the same time, the Houthis said they had launched attacks on Saudi oil facilities, airports and military bases. The rebels also said they had captured more territory in southwestern Yemen and carried out strikes against Saudi-backed forces.
Source:Associated Press, BBC
