Saudi Arabia says achieved victory over Yemen rebels

The world's top oil exporter was drawn into a conflict raging between Yemen's government and the rebels along the border in November, when Riyadh launched a military assault against the insurgents after they seized some Saudi territory.

"We achieved a clear victory," Saudi Assistant Minister of Defence Prince Khaled bin Sultan told reporters, adding that the rebels had been forced from Saudi land. "We cleansed the area ... Withdrawal was not an option for them."

Rebel leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi made the ceasefire offer on Monday, two days ahead of a meeting of foreign ministers of Western powers, Gulf states, Egypt, Jordan and Turkey in London to discuss ways to stabilise Yemen as it grapples with problems on several fronts, including a growing threat from al Qaeda.

Western powers and Yemen's neighbours fear the growing chaos in the impoverished Arab country could allow al Qaeda to strengthen its operations there, spreading instability across the region and beyond.

According to a draft document from the conference later on Wednesday obtained by Reuters, the major powers committed to supporting Yemen's government and said Yemen recognised the urgent need for political and economic reforms.