Yemen's southern province of Aden has been "liberated" from Houthi rebel forces, the country's exiled vice-president has declared.

Khaled Bahah, who is in Saudi Arabia, said his government would work to restore basic services there.

Aden has for months seen heavy fighting between rebels and loyalist forces backed by Saudi-led air strikes.

The government fled from its stronghold in Aden in March as the Houthis pushed towards the provincial capital.

A major offensive to drive the Houthis out of Aden was launched earlier this week and made successive advances.

However pockets of fighting were reported in parts of Aden on Friday, and rebels still held the northern and eastern entrances to the city, witnesses said.

BBC