Iran-backed Houthi rebels pile pressure on Yemen's Taiz as the civilian toll from their war with Saudi Arabia worsens

Taiz is a strategic city linking Yemen's government-held south to the Red Sea, and fresh clashes have erupted around it. Saudi coalition spokesman Turki al-Maliki said Houthi strikes on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport killed 17 people and injured 333 between 7 and 11 October. He said the airport has been hit 20 times since 1 October. A senior Saudi diplomat said Iran is encouraging the escalation.

The Houthis reportedly snubbed a Saudi offer to negotiate over the summer.

Former US envoy Tim Lenderking calls them a 'clear and very present danger'.

The rebels have reportedly sought Chinese parts for missiles with a range of 1,200 miles.