Fighting outside Yemeni capital kills 55, wounds dozens

SANAA, Yemen – Yemeni medical officials say fighting outside the capital between Shiite rebels and forces loyal to an internationally recognized government has killed more than 55 people on both sides.

The officials said Saturday that the clashes took place in Nihm district, about 30 miles northeast of the rebel-held capital, Sanaa. Dozens were also wounded over the past 24 hours, they added.

They also said fighting killed at least 25 people on both sides along Yemen’s west coast, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief reporters.

The rebels, known as Houthis, seized Sanaa in September 2014 after they drove out the government of President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi.

A Saudi-led coalition backing Hadi has been fighting to defeat the Iran-backed Houthis since March 2015.