In Yeman,at least 15 rebels and eight soldiers were killed as government forces attacked insurgent positions in two areas in the southwest of the country.<br/>'<br/>Military officials said in Aden today that loyalists attacked Shiite Huthi rebels and their allies, renegade troops loyal to ex-president Ali Abdullah Saleh, at Heess, on the road linking the city of Taez with Hodeida port, on the Red Sea coast.The attack aimed to block the road leading to the rebel-held port.<br/>'<br/>Government forces have since recaptured five southern provinces, including the city of Aden, which has become a temporary base for Hadi's internationally recognised government.<br/>'<br/>