Heavy clashes between the Yemeni army and Houthi rebels are pushing into urban areas surrounding Taiz city, as Saudi-backed ground forces gain territory this week. According to the military-ran Taiz media centre, government forces launched a series of attacks on Houthi positions on the eastern flank of the capital on Friday. “During the assault, the army achieved noteworthy gains against Houthi defensive positions, who were forced to retreat under heavy, targeted fire,” said an unnamed military source, speaking to the media centre. The government forces were able to destroy a tank, an armoured…