India, Oct. 5 -- Iran-backed Houthi rebels have captured the key southwestern town of Turbah, tightening their grip around Yemen's strategic city of Taiz as Saudi-backed government forces launched a counteroffensive against the rebels.

The fall of Turbah on Sunday came shortly before Yemen's internationally recognised government announced a major military operation aimed at reclaiming territory held by the Houthis, marking a sharp escalation in a civil war that had been largely restrained by a four-year ceasefire.

Turbah lies on the main road connecting Taiz, Yemen's third-largest city, with Aden, the interim seat of the government. It had long served as an important position for government forces defending Taiz against the Houthis.

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