Aden: city "liberated" from Houthi rebel forces

By Euronews with Reuters

Published on 17/07/2015 - 18:20

The southern Yemeni city of Aden has been liberated from Houthi rebel forces, according to reports. The declaration has come from Yemen’s vice

The southern Yemeni city of Aden has been liberated from Houthi rebel forces, according to reports.

The declaration has come from Yemen’s vice president Khaled Bahah, who is in exile in Saudi Arabia.

Yemen's exiled government declares Aden 'liberated' as clashes continue http://t.co/dxeWeXpFGb
— Reuters Top News (@Reuters) 17 Juillet 2015

There has been heavy fighting for months in the southern port city between rebels and forces loyal to the Yemeni government.

A major, Saudi-backed offensive was launched earlier this week and has advanced successfully.

Sources say the next objective is retaking the city of Taiz.

Humanitarian cost of the conflict

"We need access & funds to rapidly scale up critical humanitarian supplies & services" – UNReliefChief</a> on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Yemen?src=hash">#Yemen</a> <a href="http://t.co/uQBE2PalJ4">pic.twitter.com/uQBE2PalJ4</a></p>— UN Spokesperson (UN_Spokesperson) 15 Juillet 2015

The UN says thousands have been killed in this conflict. One million have been displaced and 80% of Yemen’s 25 million population face a humanitarian crisis of immense proportions.