By Mubarak Mohamed

SANAA

At least two Yemeni soldiers and 12 Houthi rebels were killed in fierce battles that erupted late Wednesday in the southern province of Al-Dali.

“Following an attack by Houthi gunmen, fierce fighting broke out late Wednesday -- and continued into Thursday -- in Al-Dali's western Marees front,” Army Lieutenant-Colonel Saddam Abdullah al-Mareesi told Anadolu Agency.

According to al-Mareesi, army forces succeeded in countering the attack on their position and eventually forced the rebels to retreat.

The fighting left two Yemeni soldiers dead and another three injured.

“At least 12 Houthis were also killed in the clashes while 12 others were injured,” he said.

There has been no comment from Houthi spokesmen regarding al-Mareesi's assertions.

Yemen has remained in disarray since 2014, when Houthi rebels overran much of the country, including capital Sanaa.

The conflict escalated one year later when a Saudi-led Arab coalition launched a devastating air campaign aimed at rolling back Houthi gains.