Yemen Pro-Government Forces Retake Zinjibar

UAE-led pro-government forces today recaptured Yemeni southern provincial capital of Zinjabar from the Houthi insurgents and their allies. Zinjibar had been held by troops of the 15^th Brigade that remained loyal to the deposed president Saleh who is allied with the Houthis.

Troops entered the coastal towm, 50 kilimeters (30 miles) east of Aden, after overrunning the brigade’s barracks outside with support from Saudi-led airstrikes, AFP reported today.

Zinjibar is the third southern provincial capital to be recaptured by pro-government forces. They secured Aden in mid-July and Lahj provincial capital of Huta on 4 August. Pro-government forces have also retaken Al Anad airbase, Yemen's largest military base.

Photo credit: UAE-led pro-government forces advancing toward Zinjibar (Reuters)

Yemen: Pro-Government Forces Launch Offensive to Seize Zinjibar

UAE-led government forces launched an offensive on the Houthi-held Zinjibar, the capital of Abyan province in south Yemen. The BBC reports that pro-government troops, using tanks and other heavy equipment, were attacking the city from the north and south.

The fall of city would deal another blow to the Houthis after they lost Aden and Al Anad airbase, Yemen’s largest military base.

The UAE official news agency WAM said today that three Emirati soldiers were killed in action fighting the Houthis.

Meanwhile, Yemen's Ministry of Defense said today that Egyptian soldiers are part of  the Arab coalition against the Houthis. The Yemenis are saying that Egyptian troops arrived in Aden this week and are part of a 5,000-strong ground troop force led by the Emiratis and Saudis

File photo: Yemeni pro-government fighters at Al Anad airbase; 5 August 2015 (Saleh Al-Obaidi/AFP)