Yemenis watch as smoke billows following clashes between fighters loyal to exiled President Hadi and Huthi rebels, in Aden on July 19, 2015. (Photo: AFP)

(VOVworld) - Troops loyal to exiled President Mansour Hadi battled Houthi rebels on the northern outskirts of Yemen's second city Aden Sunday and sought to tighten their control of the port city.

The incident occurred before a humanitarian truce declared by the Saudi-led Arab coalition took effect. Pro-Hadi troops took control of the town of Sabr in Lahj province, which links Aden to Huta, the provincial capital of Lahj. Huta is the next target before reaching Al-Anad, the country's largest airbase.