Strikes hit Taiz, stronghold of anti-Houthi sentiment

Fighter jets have begun striking the city of Taiz, the capital of the most populous governorate in Yemen.

The south-western city of some 600,000 people is a stronghold of anti-Houthi sentiment.

Earlier on Thursday residents of the city held a demonstration in the central square to express their support for the Saudi-led campaign against the Houthis, who took control of the city last week.

The Saudi Embassy in the United States tweeted a video that purportedly showed thousands of people in Taiz demonstrating in support of the military intervention.

Video: Thousands demonstrate in #Taiz #Yemen in support of #Saudi-led coalition against #Houthi rebels http://t.co/aVYDNDxGL2 @SkyNewsArabia

— Saudi Embassy (@SaudiEmbassyUSA) March 26, 2015

: now Joy & happiness from Taiz, #Yemen they thanks the Saudi king for save them from #al_Huthi #عاصفة_الحزم pic.twitter.com/0iyRNiu2pM”

— سالم الظفيري (@salmaed) March 26, 2015

Commenters on the ground reported that the strikes targeted Taiz Airport, which is under Houthi control.

Houthi fighters responded with anti-aircraft gunfire.