Dubai: Forces loyal to the internationally recognised Yemeni government have succeeded, with the backing of the Saudi-led Arab coalition, in gaining control of some areas of Taiz from the Al Houthi militia and forces loyal to ousted Yemeni president Ali Abdullah Saleh.
According to a report by www.24.ae, the forces were able to regain control over the areas of Al Sehi and Thabra a day after they received military reinforcements.
Meanwhile, government forces gained control of Al Kasara in the south west of Taiz after a battle with the rebels, which resulted in the deaths of 14 Al Houthi militiamen.
The clashes, which lasted for 29 hours, also resulted in the deaths of five members of the national army and the injury of 17.
Another report by www.24.ae said Al Houthi rebels failed to launch a rocket towards Taiz that was aimed at the popular resistance forces and the national army.
Yemen Press reported on Thursday that the Al Houthi militia attacked villages in Sabr in the East of Taiz with Katyusha rockets.
Locals in Damnat Khudhair said Al Houthis launched more than 15 missiles at the village of Alaqroth, which is part of Eastern Sabr.
The Arab coalition air forces launched an air strike at Damnat Khudhair, which resulted in the death of Al Houthi leader Abu Hilal.
The failed military operation comes after the Al Houthi militia claimed in the last few days that it had started using new missiles called Zelzal 2, which it said could reach locations in other countries.
The report said that the failed attempt to launch the rocket show that Al Houthi claims are farfetched.
Al Houthis have also launched rockets that exploded while still on the launch platform while others fell as soon as they were launched, causing chaos and fear among civilians.
