At least 18 people were killed on Thursday as supporters of President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi clashed with Shiite rebels advancing on Aden, where the internationally backed leader has sought refuge, a local official said.
The clashes erupted in Huta, capital of the southern Lahj province, when the pro-Hadi "popular committees" were resisting the rebel advance, the official said.
The rebels, who reached Huta's northern entrance on Wednesday, pressed on towards the city centre where they clashed with the popular committees, the source added.
In Aden itself, pro-rebel fighters clashed with armed groups, military and security officials said, without being able to immediately identify the groups.
"Eight people were killed and 33 were injured in the clashes," a medic said.
"Residents began looting the arms depots and we are concerned they could have seized heavy weapons," one official said.
The rebels and their allies have been closing in on Aden where Hadi has been holed up since fleeing rebel-controlled Sanaa last month.
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