Saudi 'to keep up Houthi offensive'

Saudi Arabia will continue its air strikes against Yemeni rebels until they pull back from the two countries' border, the kingdom's deputy defence minister has warned. Prince Khaled bin Sultan pledged to keep up a military offensive against the Houthi rebels on Tuesday, as he visited Saudi troops in the kingdom's southwest Jizan province, the AFP news agency reported. "We are not going to stop the bombing until the Houthis retreat tens of kilometres inside their border," he said. His comments came as the rebels announced they had taken control of more territory on the border with Saudi Arabia, heightening concerns about growing instability in the region. The fighters released a statement on Tuesday, saying: "Full control was taken last night over Qatabar directorate and control of all supplies and ammunition as well as buildings and other military sites." Yemeni officials could not immediately be reached for comment.