At least 68 people are reported to have been killed in fresh clashes between government troops and Houthi rebels in north-west Yemen near the Saudi border. Fighting is said to have erupted near the town of Harad which was captured by government forces two days ago. Military sources said 28 troops were killed while Houthi rebels said they had lost 40 fighters.
Clashes have continued despite a UN-backed ceasefire and peace talks in Switzerland which began on Tuesday. As well as those killed yesterday, at least another 50 rebels and 40 pro-government troops were reported to have been injured. Tribal sources said there was an upsurge in fighting early yesterday as government forces – which are being backed by a Saudi-led coalition – advanced towards the Red Sea port of Midi and rebels brought in reinforcements. Houthi and government delegates have been meeting in Biel in Switzerland to try to end months of fighting.