Yemen’s Saudi-backed, internationally recognized government on Sunday launched a major military operation aimed at retaking areas controlled by the Houthi movement, opening a new and potentially significant phase in the country’s long-running war.

Presidential Leadership Council President Rashad al-Alimi said in a televised address that government forces would continue their military operations until Houthi control was ended. He called on Yemen’s regional and international partners to support government forces and the Presidential Leadership Council's institutions.

A Yemeni military spokesman later called on the Houthis to lay down their weapons as government forces moved to intensify operations against Houthi positions.

The Houthis said they responded by launching ballistic missiles and drones at Saudi Aramco facilities in........

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