Pro-government forces in Yemen retake seaside town after heavy fighting with Shiite rebels

SANAA, Yemen – Yemeni security officials say pro-government forces have driven Shiite rebels from a strategic seaside town after three days of heavy clashes that killed nearly 100 fighters.

The officials, who remain neutral in the conflict that has splintered Yemen's armed forces, said pro-government fighters seized the town of Dhubab on Friday, cutting off rebel supply lines to Yemen's third largest city, Taiz.

Yemen's fighting pits the rebels, known as Houthis, against the internationally recognized government backed by a Saudi-led coalition.

Taiz is in government hands, but is besieged by Houthis. Securing Taiz would allow pro-government forces to push north toward the rebel-held capital, Sanaa.

All officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to brief reporters.