Yemen launches major military operation against Houthis

Yemen's Saudi-backed government on Sunday announced a new military operation to retake territory held by Iran-backed Houthi rebels , as fighting intensified around the key southwestern city of Taiz. "Today, I announce the start of military operations to retake the remaining territory of the republic and extend the authority of the state and its institutions across the entire national territory," Yemeni Presidential Council chief Rashad al-Alimi said in a televised address. The announcement came after Houthi fighters captured a key road linking Taiz with the government-held city of Aden, effectively isolating Taiz. The rebels have besieged Taiz for more than a decade.