Dozens killed in Yemen as fighting intensifies

Heavy fighting between pro Houthi militias allied with militias loyal to ousted President Ali Abdullah Saleh and government forces in various parts of Yemen has left dozens dead over the past two days, military officials said yesterday.

According to AFP, the fighting intensified when forces loyal to the government launched an attack on three fronts to recapture the coastal town of Midi and nearby Haradh, both located in the northern highlands of Yemen. Some 38 people were killed in these clashes.

Fighting has continued in other parts of Yemen, particularly in the city of Taiz, which has been besieged by Houthi and Saleh forces since March last year. On Tuesday, 39 people were killed in clashes between the warring parties.

Yemen has been locked in a bitter battle between Houthi rebels allied with forces loyal to ousted President Ali Abdullah Saleh and government forces led by President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi, along with local tribes and resistance forces backed by the Saudi-led coalition.