Yemen launches military operation to retake Houthi-held territory
Saudi-backed government orders forces to restore state control as fighting intensifies around Taiz
Aden: Yemen's internationally recognised government has launched a major military operation to retake territory held by the Iran-backed Houthi group and restore government control across the country.
Presidential Leadership Council chairman Rashad al-Alimi announced the operation in a televised address on Sunday, saying government forces had been ordered to begin military operations under an approved plan.
The announcement follows a sharp increase in fighting, particularly around Taiz, where Houthi forces have been advancing and threatening a key road linking the city with Aden, the seat of the Yemeni government.
Yemeni government forces said they carried out 257 operations against Houthi positions and military movements on Saturday. A military spokesman claimed at least 700 Houthis were killed, although the figure could not be independently verified.
Saudi Arabia is backing the government forces. The Saudi-led coalition said it carried out further strikes against Houthi reinforcements around Taiz.
The escalation follows the collapse of a fragile truce and comes after the Houthis made significant advances along Yemen's Red Sea coast and near the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
The Houthis have controlled the capital, Sanaa, and large parts of northern Yemen since 2014. The renewed fighting threatens to deepen the country's long-running conflict and humanitarian crisis.
The Houthis have also claimed missile and drone attacks on Saudi Aramco sites in Riyadh and the Khurais area. Saudi Arabia has not immediately commented on the claims.
