Yemeni government forces have recaptured a key crossroads town in the south-western province of Hodeidah in an effort to cut off supply lines to the Shia rebels.

Yemen’s war pits a Saudi-led coalition allied with the internationally-recognised government against Shia Houthi rebels, who are allied with Iran and control much of northern Yemen, including the capital Sanaa.

Officials said forces backed by air strikes from the Saudi coalition have taken control of the town of Hays after two weeks of fierce fighting against the rebels.

The fighting has killed at least 85 people from both sides in the past 48 hours.