MARIB (Debriefer)--The forces of Yemen's internationally recognised government backed by tribal fighters said they made key gains after fierce battles with the Houthis on Wednesday, retaking large parts of the district of Al-Rahbah in southern Marib province.
Fighters from both sides were killed and injured in the battles, a military source said.
The government forces have also advanced in the area of Al-Mashjah in west of the province and the district of Sirwah, retaking key positions from the Iran-allied Houthis, field sources said.
The Houthi group launched in February an offensive to seize the oil-rich Marib which is the main stronghold of the government forces.
In the past 24 hours, its fighters intensified their attacks in the front-lines of Al-Kasarah and Sirwah but the government forces repelled the attacks, local sources said, adding that a Houthi spy drone was shot down in Al-Kasarah.
The Saudi-led coalition struck Houthi positions and reinforcements in those regions, enabling the government forces to advance.
