Yemen | The Houthis are at the gates of Marib – Violent clashes – Updated Map & VIDEO

Defence Redefined

17/02/2021

Clashes in Yemen between the forces of the Ansar Allah (Houthi) movement and the coalition forces led by Saudi Arabia are taking place incessantly. 

According to the international press, in the last few days, and especially on February 15, there have been fierce and bloody clashes in the province of Marib, which is under the control of the coalition.

The Houthi forces are now about 11 kilometers from the city of Marib. The Yemeni government has called for an immediate meeting and public mobilization to stop the Ansar Allah movement from advancing and to prevent the city from falling. 

Also read: Yemen | Houthis destroy 6 Coalition tanks – They claim to have shot down an American drone | Interactive map & VIDEO

This shows that the developments in Marib are becoming more sensitive. It is estimated that as the Houthis advance and retake territory, the likelihood of international intervention in the Yemeni war increases.

The Houthis are seeking to seize control of Marib, closing Saudi Arabia’s southern border and taking control of oil fields in the province that will give them leverage in possible peace talks.

Strongly unhappy with the renewed Houthi attack, the Saudi-led coalition bombed Houthi areas in the desert around Marib. So far, there seems to be little progress on the part of Saudi Arabia.

Marib is the last stronghold of the coalition in the relatively calm central region of Yemen. If the Houthis manage to capture the city, they will be able to attack the southern regions of Saudi Arabia.

News sources claim that more than 48 fighters were killed and more than 120 were injured on February 10 and 11, with the majority of casualties among Houthi rebels.

Anonymous sources from the Saudi-backed Yemeni government said at least 16 pro-government fighters had been killed and 21 wounded in the past 24 hours, adding that dozens of Houthi fighters had been killed in the clashes.

The Houthis have cut off supply lines in an area about 50 kilometers south of Marib, with the aim of besieging the city, sources said.

On February 14, the coalition shot down two Houthi drones that struck an area near the city of Khamis Mushait in southern Saudi Arabia. However, a spokesman for the Houthi army said two rebel drones had struck the airport in the nearby town of Abha. 

Also read: The Houthis Build Their Own Military Vehicle – Recent Developments in Yemen – Photos & VIDEO

You can see all the developments and territorial adjustments on the updated interactive map of DEFENCE ReDEFiNED. The Houthi forces appear in green and the Saudi-led coalition forces in red.