The Yemeni army on Thursday took control of new positions in the Kataf district, northwest of Saada province, the main stronghold of the Iranian-backed Houthi militia, Saudi state-owned news channel Al-Ekhbariya reported. Brigadier General Diab Al-Qabali said that the army had taken control of the northern front of the Kataf district after heavy fighting with the Houthi militia, who suffered heavy losses. Al-Qabali said, in a statement posted on the army website, that more than 20 militias were killed and several others wounded. He also confirmed that army forces have besieged the militia elements amassed at the center of Kataf district and have been engaged in fierce battles with since the start of the military operations last Saturday, supported by the Saudi-led Arab Coalition.