Yemen’s internationally recognised government is fortifying positions on the outskirts of Aden province, home to its de facto capital, as Houthi foes seize hilltops overlooking the area, three military officials tell AFP.

Houthi fighters are advancing east, consolidating their gains near the Red Sea while also moving closer to the Gulf of Aden. They have been taking hold of strategic hilltops in the Al-Madaribah wal Ara district overlooking Aden province, the sources says.

“We received high-level directives to establish military fortifications west and north of Aden Governorate, as the threat to the government’s interim capital draws nearer,” one of the military officials says.

The fortifications include stacking up sandbags and digging tunnels.