Yemen crisis: Shia Houthi rebels storm presidential palace in Aden

Shia Houthi rebels and their allies in Yemen have reportedly stormed the presidential palace in Aden post heavy clashes, officials said.

The rebels advanced through the city using tanks and armoured vehicles, despite facing resistance from the Saudi-led coalition who targeted rebels via air strikes, reported the BBC.

At least 44 people have been killed in the clashes, including 18 civilians.

The Saudi government joined the fight against Shia Houthi rebels by saying that it aimed to protect President Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi's "legitimate government." It said that it had no plans to deploy troops on ground.

Aden was Hadi's last seat of power before he fled to Saudi Arabia last week.