SANAA 17 Jun (ANA) - Pro-government forces in Yemen, backed by a Saudi-led coalition, have launched air strikes on the airport that serves the key port city of Hudaydah.

 

They have also been fighting Houthi rebels on the ground with mortar fire.

 

The pro-government forces said they had taken control of the airport on Saturday, but the rebels denied this.

 

Meanwhile the UN envoy to Yemen is holding a second day of talks in the capital Sanaa, aimed at securing a rebel withdrawal from Hudaydah.

 

Martin Griffiths is believed to have put forward a plan guaranteeing the safety of Houthi fighters if they pull out, leaving the harbour to be operated by the UN.

 

The only major port controlled by the Houthis, Hudaydah is seen as a lifeline for millions of Yemenis at risk of famine.(ANA)

FA/ANA/17 June 2018-----