Yemen launches attack on rebel stronghold

The Yemeni army has launched a major offensive to try to end a rebellion in the northern mountains and 50 soldiers and rebels have been killed in two days.

The army has deployed more than 2,000 troops against the supporters of Hussein Badr Eddin al-Houti, who are holed up in the Jabal Maraan mountains outside Sa’dah, 124 miles north-west of the capital San’a, officials said.

The troops are supported by heavy artillery, tanks, helicopter gunships and fighter jets.

The state has offered a €45,000 reward for al-Houti’s capture. It accuses him of attacking government buildings and security forces, forming an illegal armed group and inciting people not to pay taxes.

His group is also said to encourage anti-American sentiment through mosque speeches and demonstrations.