Fights between government forces and Huthi rebels in Yemen’s Marib province have killed around 50 combatants that includes a special forces commander, reported AFP, quoting a government source on Saturday.

The Huthis resumed to attempt capturing Marib city, 120 kilometres (75 miles) east of the rebel-held capital Sanaa earlier this month.

Marib’s capture would be major prize for the rebels since the city lies close to some of Yemen’s richest oil fields. 

A government source said, “Twenty-two members of the government forces and more than 28 rebels have died in the last 24 hours in the fighting that continues unabated on the fronts in Marib province.”

According to rebel channel Al Massirah, a Saudi-led coalition launched over 12 air strikes in support of government forces on the ground.

Friday was the bloodiest day since the start of the offensive on February 8 when over 60 fighters were killed in fighting in Marib.

According to government sources,  clashes have resulted in hundreds of deaths among fighters on both sides since then and have displaced hundreds of families. The Huthis generally do not disclose their losses.

Since 2014, Yemen  has been embroiled in a bloody power struggle between its government, supported by the Saudi-led military coalition, and Huthi rebels, who control most of the north.

According to international organisations, the conflict has claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced millions sparking what the UN calls the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.