Explosion hits hospital in Yemen's southern city of Aden

SANAA — A powerful explosion hit a hospital in Yemen's southern city of Aden on yesterday, wounding three, setting off a fire and forcing the staff to evacuate patients, hospital and security officials said.

Doctors at the May 22 hospital in Mansoura district brought patients to a nearby mosque, while others lay on the ground in public squares, the officials said.

The fighting in Yemen pits Shiite Houthi rebels and troops loyal to former President Ali Abdullah Saleh against southern separatists, local and tribal militias, Sunni Islamic militants and troops loyal to President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi, who is exiled in Saudi Arabia.

Heavy fighting continued across Taiz, Yemen's third-largest city which has seen intense ground combat. Security and hospital officials said 45 pro-Houthi fighters were killed and 30 wounded on yesterday, while anti-rebel forces counted 36 dead and more than 27 wounded. At least 8 civilians were killed and more than 20 wounded, they added.

Also yesterday, Aden's port authority said installations there were up and running and ready to accept incoming ships. In a statement, it said more than a dozen ships carrying relief aid had docked there since Saudi-backed forces pushed rebels out of the city in July.

All officials spoke under condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to reporters.