Yemeni officials: Houthi rebels push into southern province

SANAA, Yemen – Yemeni officials say fighting continues in the country's southern Dhale province between Iran-backed Houthi rebels and pro-government forces.

The officials say rebel incursions into Dhale, which had been under the control of forces loyal to Yemen's internationally recognized government, started in April, killing hundreds of fighters on both sides.

Yemen has been embroiled in a civil war pitting the Houthis against the government of President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi, backed by a Saudi-led coalition, since March 2015.

The officials say the Houthi rebel push into Dhale was in part aided by ongoing feuding between Hadi's fighters and those backed by the United Arab Emirates, which is part of the Saudi-led coalition.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to talk to reporters.