Aden--Dozens of people have been killed in fresh clashes between rebels and fighters loyal to President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi in southern Yemen, local officials said Monday.
At least 19 Huthi Shiite rebels and 15 pro-Hadi militiamen were killed overnight as the rival forces battled for control of the town of Daleh, said one official who did not want to be named.
"Street fighting took place in Daleh after the arrival of significant Huthi reinforcements from Ibb" further north, said a second official.
Violence has escalated sharply in the deeply tribal country since a Saudi-led military coalition launched an air war against the Iran-backed Huthi rebels on March 26.
Daleh is about 120 kilometres (75 miles) north of the main southern city of Aden, where Hadi took refuge in February after the Huthis seized power in the capital Sanaa.
He left for Saudi Arabia last month as they advanced on the city.
There has also been heavy fighting in Aden between supporters and opponents of the absent leader in recent days.
The Red Cross has appealed for an immediate truce to facilitate aid deliveries and allow people to seek water, food and medical assistance.
AFP
