Forces loyal to Yemen's exiled government began an offensive Sunday against Houthi rebels east of the capital Sanaa, AFP reported.
A military official told AFP the Saudi-led coalition backed up the forces with airstrikes as they began the major offensive that targets the rebels in two main areas, Jufeinah and Faw.
"This is the largest and fiercest offensive since operations began in Marib province," the official said.
In the past few weeks, the coalition has sent military reinforcements to Marib in preparation for the offensive to retake the capital.
Houthi rebels overtook Sanaa in September 2014, forcing President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi to move his stronghold to the southern port city of Aden before fleeing the country.
Loyalist troops reclaimed Aden and four other southern provinces in July, according to AFP.
