Yemeni troops battle Shiite rebels in Aden neighbourhoods

Yemeni officials say troops, backed by Saudi-led coalition airstrikes, are battling Shiite rebels in neighbourhoods they previously controlled in the southern port city of Aden, a day after they pushed them out of the local airport.

A military official said fighting intensified Wednesday in Crater and Mualla, neighborhoods that house the presidential palace, government offices and ports. The official said the rebels are putting up a fight at the presidential palace in Crater. He said an airstrike hit a government building used by the rebels as a base.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss ongoing military operations. He said the anti-rebel offensive was coordinated with the Saudi-led coalition.

Rebels and allied forces tried to take the city in March, setting off fierce battles with local forces.