A major resurgence of violence between Houthi rebels and Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces has caused over 300 deaths since Thursday, as rival factions battle for control of areas in the country's southwest, near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is a strategic passage linking the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, on the sea route leading to the Suez Canal.
The Houthis pledged to close the passage in solidarity with Iran, after direct attacks for which they blamed the Saudi government. Yemeni Army officials reported that 84 soldiers were killed, most in rocket attacks fired by the Houthis, between Saturday afternoon and Sunday.
Sources linked to the rebel government stated that 57 of their men had died in the same period. An AFP tally, based on information released by military sources and organizations, pointed to a toll of over 300 dead since Thursday.
