The progress was made following a covert military operation launched by the army with support from the Arab coalition Dozens of militants were killed and wounded during the clashes as the Yemeni army recovered weapons and ammunition from the Houthis DUBAI: Yemen’s army forces have taken control of new areas east of Hiran province after heavy clashes with the Iran-backed Houthi militia, according to Saudi state-news agency SPA. A Yemeni military source said that the progress was made following a covert military operation launched by the army with support from the Arab coalition, and was able to liberate the Awaja area and a number of farms east of Hiran. Dozens of militants were killed and wounded during the clashes as the Yemeni army recovered weapons and ammunition from the Houthis. In a statement issued to the Yemeni army’s official website, 26 September, the source said that the militia fled their positions after planting hundred of mines and explosive devices.