Yemen government launches military operation against Houthi forces

Yemen's government announced a major military operation on Sunday to recapture land held by Houthi rebels. President Rashad al-Alimi made the announcement on television. He said the goal was to take back territory and restore government control across the country.

Saudi Arabia has been carrying out airstrikes to support the operation. Houthi-run media reported that at least two people were wounded in the strikes on Sunday.

The conflict started in 2014 when the Houthis, who are backed by Iran, seized the capital Sanaa. The Houthis have recently taken control of parts of the Red Sea coast, including areas near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, an important route for global shipping. Yemen is one of the world's poorest countries and faces a serious humanitarian crisis.