Pakistan, Sept. 8 -- Yemeni government forces have launched a counteroffensive against Houthi fighters across several provinces. They have also vowed to retake Sanaa from the rebel group.

Read More: Yemeni forces target Houthi positions in western Yemen

Fighting intensified in Taiz, al-Bayda and al-Jawf on Monday. Government forces, backed by Saudi Arabia, reported air strikes against Houthi positions. They also reported intense ground battles across several fronts. Meanwhile, government officials said the campaign aims to restore state control across Yemen. Deputy Defence Minister Major-General Samir Al-Sabri said the government had decided to retake Sanaa.

The Houthis said they repelled government advances in al-Jawf. They also accus...