Yemen army liberates areas of Red Sea port city Midi

Dubai: The Yemeni army, backed by the Saudi-led Arab coalition has liberated northern and eastern neighbourhoods of the Red Sea port city of Midi, according to the state news agency Saba.

The army, fighting Iran-backed Al Houthi rebels, gained control over the strategic Tabbat Al Kamahiya area and nearby positions in Midi in the past 24 hours.

Yemeni forces are marching towards the Hayran district, according to Major General Omar Sajjaf, commander of the 5th military zone.

“Rebel forces who do not surrender will die,” he said.

Aimed at clearing the coastal areas in Taiz province from Al Houthi rebels, government forces backed by Saudi-led coalition fighter jets launched Operation Golden Arrow in January and managed to advance dozens of kilometres into enemy-held territory bordering the Red Sea.

Army commanders say the operation aims to secure the strategic Bab Al Mandab Strait and cut arms supply routes to the rebels.