Senior Houthi commander killed in Yemen amid fierce battles
A senior Houthi commander was killed Thursday, the Shiite rebels announced as fierce battles with government forces intensified along the front lines in the country's central provinces
The slain rebels' special forces commander, Mohamed Abdel Karim al-Hamran, enjoyed close ties to the top Houthi leader, Abdul Malek al-Houthi. He was the most high-ranking commander killed this year, part of an elite brigade trained by militants from the Lebanese group Hezbollah
Al-Hamran died in clashes between the central provinces of Marib and Bayda, which have been the epicenter of recent fighting, said Yemeni security officials, speaking on condition of anonymity under regulations
Warplanes with the Saudi-led coalition supporting the Yemeni government forces bombed Houthi targets across the provinces, setting five military convoys ablaze. Dozens were killed and wounded on both sides, the officials added. At least 16 fighters were killed in Bayda, mostly among the Houthis