ADEN, Yemen, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- Intense clashes erupted on Thursday between Yemen's government forces and the Houthi rebels in the country's southern province of Dhalea, leaving 10 killed from both sides, a military official told Xinhua.
The government forces engaged in intense clashes with the Houthi attackers who were trying to advance in the northern parts of Dhalea, the local official said on condition of anonymity.
"The government forces repulsed the Houthi attack and killed six of the rebels while four soldiers also died in this battle that continued for hours," the source added.
The Houthis prepared for a large military offensive against the sites of the government forces in the northern parts of Dhalea but faced strong resistance, according to the source.
Earlier this week, UN Special Envoy for Yemen Martin Griffiths called on all the parties involved to take all necessary measures to cease all military activities including movement of troops, airstrikes, missiles and drone attacks.
He also urged the parties to implement and enhance the de-escalation initiatives, saying reduction of violence is crucial for sustaining the progress made so far in de-escalation.
"We all have to work toward advancing the peace process, not setting it backward. Yemen has suffered enough," Griffiths said.
The northern and western parts of Dhalea, 138 km north of Aden, have been witnessing non-stop fightings between government forces and Houthi fighters for about four years.
Yemen has been plagued by a civil war since late 2014 after the Houthi rebels forced the internationally-recognized government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi into exile.
