Dozens killed in Yemen clashes

Dozens of Yemeni Shia rebels and pro-government fighters have been killed in clashes in several southern provinces as Saudi-led coalition aircraft targeted the Iran-backed insurgents, military officials said yesterday.

Fierce clashes raged in the areas of Al-Zaher and Thi al-Naem in Baida province between Huthi rebels and Popular Resistance fighters allied with forces loyal to President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi, tribal sources said.

The clashes overnight left 19 rebels and 14 Popular Resistance fighters dead, according to tribal and medical sources.

Gun battles also flared up in Al-Madaribah in southwestern Yemen on the border between Lahj and Taez provinces, leaving an unknown number of fighters killed and wounded, military sources said.