More than 120 people were killed in Yemen after Iran-backed Houthi forces launched an offensive aimed at advancing toward the strategic Bab al-Mandab strait, AFP reported on Friday.
Fighting erupted Thursday after the Houthis launched a ground assault backed by rocket and drone attacks near coastal areas as they pushed toward Bab al-Mandab.
The death toll rose to 129, including 66 government fighters, at least 62 Houthi militants and one civilian, AFP reported, citing military and medical sources.
Military sources told AFP the Houthis were attempting to cut off the government-held port city of Mokha and seize elevated positions overlooking areas near Bab al-Mandab, from which they could threaten commercial shipping.
Bab al-Mandab has gained greater strategic importance amid disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and continued Houthi attacks on vessels in the Red Sea.
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