Assault on Houthis kill fighters from both sides around the south-eastern port city of Mocha.

Yemeni security and military officials say forces loyal to Yemen’s internationally recognised President have launched an attack on Shia rebels around the south-eastern port city of Mocha, unleashing heavy fighting that has killed some 38 fighters from both sides.

They said on Wednesday that the fighting began a day earlier and was supported by the Saudi-led coalition opposing the rebels, known as Houthis.

Aim to take key port

The military officials say troops loyal to President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi aim to take the area’s key port at Hodeida, further north.

The Saudi-led coalition launched an air campaign against the rebels two years ago that has failed to drive them from the capital and other territories they control.