Yemen’s Houthi rebels have advanced to within 80 kilometres of Aden, the main stronghold and temporary capital of the country’s internationally recognised government, four military sources tell Reuters.
The advance brings the Houthis closer to Aden than at any point since the early months of the war in 2015, when they briefly entered the city before being driven out.
Fighting between the Houthis and government forces has been reported at a military camp at the entrance to Tur al-Bahah district, one of the main approaches to Aden. The camp is about 50km from the provincial capital of Lahj and 80km from Aden itself.
The Houthis launched their assault on government positions in Al-Maqatirah three days ago and have since taken the whole district, the sources say, adding that the mountainous area overlooks the road linking Taiz to Aden, and that the Houthis have forced government troops to retreat toward Tur al-Bahah.
