DHAKA: Fresh fighting has been reported in the southern Yemeni city of Aden between Houthi rebels and militiamen loyal to President Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi.

Several houses in the central Crater district were set on fire after being hit by rockets as the rebels advanced, reports the BBC.

Warplanes of the Saudi-led coalition, which backs the government, meanwhile bombed rebel targets to the north.

Iran is also reported to have sent navy vessels to the Gulf of Aden.

Iranian Navy commander Rear Adm Habibollah Sayyari was quoted as saying a destroyer and another ship were being deployed in waters off Yemen as part of an anti-piracy campaign ‘safeguarding naval routes for vessels in the region’.

Tehran has denied Saudi accusations that it is providing military and financial assistance to the Houthis, who adhere to a branch of Shia Islam known as Zaidism.

BDST: 1732 HRS, APR 08, 2014
BD/