53 Houthi rebels killed in air strikes

Hodeida: Dozens of Yemeni rebels have been killed in battles and air strikes in Hodeida, medics said on Sunday, as pro-government forces advanced in the insurgent-held Red Sea port city.

Fifty-three Houthi rebels were killed and dozens were injured over the past 24 hours, said medical sources in the area.

According to a pro-government military source, clashes intensified in Hodeida city and centred around its university on Saturday and Sunday morning.

Saudi-led coalition warplanes carried out dozens of air strikes to support pro-government forces in the fighting which began on Thursday evening, according to military officials.

Thirteen pro-government troops were killed, said medical sources in Aden and Mokha — where the fighters were transported. The clashes erupted just hours after the government said on Thursday that it was ready to restart peace talks with the Iran-backed Houthis.

The offer followed a surprise call by the U.S. for an end to the Yemen war, including air strikes by the coalition. Hodeida port is the entry point for more than 70% of imports into the country, which is teetering on the edge of famine.