Yemen's pro-government forces on Friday reclaimed the seaside town of Dhubab, a strategic area that cuts off supply routes to Taiz for Houthi rebels, the Associated Press reported.
Yemeni security officials said forces loyal to exiled President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi retook Dhubab after three days of heavy clashes with Shiite rebels that killed nearly 100 fighters.
The conflict in Yemen has escalated since late March when the Saudi-led coalition began conducting airstrikes against opposition fighters. The UN said at least 2,355 civilians have been killed since then.
Pro-government forces are advancing toward the Red Sea port of Mocha as they try to secure the third-largest city of Taiz. Meanwhile, a Houthi official said rebels are currently trying to access Taiz through the southeastern abandoned town of Turba.
Besieged by Houthi forces and their supporters, Taiz is a key location for pro-government forces to advance toward the rebel-held capital, Sanaa.
