(BSS/AFP) - The head of Yemen`s presidential council on Sunday announced the start of a new military operation to retake all territory held by Iran-backed Houthi fighters.

"I announce today the start of military operations to retake the remaining territories of the republic and extend the authority of the state and its institutions across the entire national territory," Rashad al-Alimi said in a statement.

Alimi called on "the armed forces, security forces and all military
formations to begin carrying out their assigned missions, in accordance with
the approved plans, until the country is liberated from the grip of the
Houthi terrorist militia".

The announcement marks the latest major escalation in the war against the
Houthis following a rapid offensive by the Iran-backed group last month that
saw them seize large swathes of the Red Sea coastline.

Earlier Sunday, several security sources also told AFP that the group had
effectively encircled Taiz after cutting the main supply route to the
government held city.

Despite Saudi backing, Yemen`s government forces have been unable to repel
the latest Houthi gains.