FIGHTING INTENSIFIES NEAR MAIN AIRPORT

SANAA, YEMEN Preparations are underway by the Saudiled coalition, UAE forces, and thousands of Yemeni fighters to seize control of the airport of the vital rebelheld Yemeni city of Hodeida from Iranian-backed Houthi rebels who are digging in, field commanders said.

Yemeni officials say dozens of pro-government fighters have been killed mainly from landmines and roadside bombs.

Officials estimate that the death toll reached 280 in two days of fighting since the offensive began Wednesday.