Up to 169 killed in Yemen as Houthis battle for Red Sea coastal heights

Thousands flee fighting as Iran-aligned group seeks to consolidate territorial gains against Saudi-backed government forces

The Houthis accused Saudi Arabia of striking the port city of Mocha on Tuesday, killing six civilians, including two children. (AP Photo/Marzouq Al Jabri)

As many as 169 people have been reportedly killed in Yemen in the last three days as Iran-aligned Houthis battle Saudi-backed government forces for control of strategic heights on the Red Sea coast, while thousands flee the violence.

Houthi military officials said at least 118 people had been killed in clashes as well as Saudi air and artillery strikes on Taiz, al-Jawf, Marib and Saada provinces since Sunday, Agence France-Presse reported. Yemeni government sources have said at least 36 people have been killed on their side of the conflict.