Yemen's pro-government forces gained on the ground against the Houthi rebels in the Red Sea port city of Hodeidah, according to a military official. "On Sunday, the united pro-government troops made new military gains and took control of a number of new places from the Houthis, particularly in Jabal Ra's district," a local source said on condition of anonymity.

Intense armed clashes between government forces and the Houthis are still taking place in the district and surrounding regions, killing and injuring a number of civilians loyal to the two warring sides, he added. According to reports, Saudi-led coalition aeroplanes started a series of airstrikes targeting Houthi-held positions in Hodeidah.

Earlier on Saturday, Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces conducted a military operation that resulted in the entire security of Hodeidah's Hays district and the expulsion of Houthi rebels from the crucial location as well as the surrounding territories, according to local officials. The Houthis have taken control of Hodeidah, while government forces have made gains in the southern and eastern areas.

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