Yemen interim govt. begins major operation against Houthis

Yemen's interim government says it has launched a major military operation against Houthi rebels.

The forces of the Saudi-backed interim government on Monday announced the start of the operation, saying targets include the capital Sanaa, which is effectively controlled by the Houthis.

The move comes after the Houthis expanded their control to areas around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which serves as an alternative route to the Strait of Hormuz.

A Saudi-led coalition supporting Yemen's interim government said 100 fighter jets participated in the operation and struck 324 targets.

The Reuters news agency quoted the interim government's information minister as saying its forces have secured effective control of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait though fighting continues with the Houthis in the area.

The Houthis claim they have intensified offensives, posting online footage purportedly showing drone strikes against interim-government forces.

There are concerns that the escalation in fighting could further deteriorate the humanitarian situation in Yemen and affect global energy markets. According to the United Nations, as of October 3, more than 170,000 people in Yemen have been displaced since August.