Yemeni security officials say overnight clashes between Shiite Houthi rebels and pro-government militias have killed 47 people, nearly all of them fighters.
They say rebels stormed the town of Dabab late yesterday.
The town lies on a crucial supply route for pro-government forces in the western Taiz province. Securing Taiz would allow pro-government forces to march north to the rebel-held capital, Sanaa.
The officials say two civilians were among the 47 killed in the fighting.
Yemen's fighting pits the Houthis and army units loyal to a former president against the internationally recognized government, which is backed by a Saudi-led coalition.
The officials, who remain neutral in a conflict which has split Yemen's armed forces, spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to brief the media.
