, Oct. 3 -- More than 70 people have reportedly died during 24 hours of intense clashes between Yemen's Houthi movement and government forces in the southwestern province of Taiz, according to military and medical sources. Both sides have also exchanged claims over air and missile attacks.

A Yemeni government military official, speaking anonymously, said more than 20 government troops and around 10 allied local fighters were killed, while dozens more were injured. The official said heavy fighting took place on several fronts as the two sides battled for strategic positions.

The heaviest clashes reportedly occurred in rural areas extending toward Yemen's Red Sea coastline. Government forces were attempting to stop Houthi advances and pre...