India, Oct. 5 -- Forces of Yemen's internationally recognised government launched a major offensive against Iran-backed Houthi rebels on Monday along the country's Red Sea coast, backed by an intensified Saudi-led air campaign that the coalition said involved 100 fighter jets.

Coalition spokesman Maj Gen Turki al-Malki said the forces had secured "air protection" over the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait and destroyed hundreds of Houthi targets as part of the campaign.

The claims and details of the strikes could not be independently verified.

The offensive came a day after the Houthis seized the key town of Turbah in southwestern Yemen, dealing a setback to Saudi-backed government forces as the rebels advanced towards Taiz, a strategic p...