The battle for the strategic Yemeni city of Marib between rebels and pro-government troops has claimed another 78 lives.
Sixty Houthi rebels were killed, most of them in air strikes in the past 24 hours, AFP reported, citing a government military official. Eighteen pro-government troops were killed and dozens injured in fighting over the past 48 hours, other military sources said.
The rebels rarely report casualty numbers.
The fight between Yemen's government, which is backed by a Saudi-led military coalition, and the Iran-allied Houthi rebels has intensified in recent days in the province of Marib, the military official said. Air strikes have also intensified.
The fighting is concentrated in the north and the west of the governorate.
The rebels themselves reported early on Wednesday that the coalition had launched at least 30 such strikes against them across Marib province.
"The Houthis last night launched a military offensive that continued into the early hours of Wednesday morning," the pro-government official said. The loyalist troops were able to repel the insurgents despite a small advance on the northern front.
Yemen's internationally recognised government and the Houthis have been at war since 2014, when the insurgents seized the capital, Sanaa.
In February, the Houthis increased efforts to seize Marib, the government's last northern stronghold, in fighting that has since killed hundreds on both sides.
Control of the oil-rich region would strengthen the Houthis' bargaining position in peace talks.
Recipe
Garlicky shrimp in olive oil
Gambas Al Ajillo
Preparation time: 5 to 10 minutes
Cooking time: 5 minutes
Serves 4
Ingredients
180ml extra virgin olive oil; 4 to 5 large cloves of garlic, minced or pureed (or 3 to 4 garlic scapes, roughly chopped); 1 or 2 small hot red chillies, dried (or ¼ teaspoon dried red chilli flakes); 400g raw prawns, deveined, heads removed and tails left intact; a generous splash of sweet chilli vinegar; sea salt flakes for seasoning; a small handful of fresh flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped
Method
▶ Heat the oil in a terracotta dish or frying pan. Once the oil is sizzling hot, add the garlic and chilli, stirring continuously for about 10 seconds until golden and aromatic.
▶ Add a splash of sweet chilli vinegar and as it vigorously simmers, releasing perfumed aromas, add the prawns and cook, stirring a few times.
▶ Once the prawns turn pink, after 1 or 2 minutes of cooking, remove from the heat and season with sea salt flakes.
▶ Once the prawns are cool enough to eat, scatter with parsley and serve with small forks or toothpicks as the perfect sharing starter. Finish off with crusty bread to soak up all that flavour-infused olive oil.
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
