Yemeni forces take last rebel-held army base in south

SANAA, Yemen (AP) — Saudi-backed Yemeni officials say pro-government forces have retaken the last military base in the country's south that was held by Shiite rebels known as Houthis.

The officials say Friday's capture of Labouza base is the latest victory for the pro-government forces that have been pushing north in the province of Lahj, after routing the rebels from the coastal city of Aden recently.

Labouza lies north of the strategic al-Anad base, which fell to Yemeni troops on Monday. The officials gave no casualty figures for the latest fighting. They spoke on condition of anonymity under regulations.

The gains by the pro-government forces have been made possible with the help of a Saudi-led and U.S.-backed coalition that has been targeting the Iran-backed Houthis and their allies since March in an airstrikes campaign.