Yemeni government forces bombarded the positions of the Houthis in Marib province in response to the Houthis' advances. These attacks, reported on Wednesday, included the use of drones and artillery and followed the Houthis' efforts to expand their influence.
Strategic Importance of Marib Province
Marib province, as one of the contested areas in Yemen's civil war, holds special significance due to its oil and gas reserves. The geographical location of this province in the east of the Houthi-occupied capital, Sana'a, makes it an important hub for connecting several provinces in the center of the country.
Yemeni forces released videos of airstrikes on Houthi positions, showcasing the intensity of the clashes in the region. On the other hand, following recent Houthi attacks on the western coast of Yemen, new clashes have also erupted on several fronts in Marib.
Clashes and Their Consequences
A militia group allied with the Yemeni government called the Giants Brigade also reported clashes with the Houthis near the Bab al-Mandab Strait. According to these reports, two Houthi vehicles were destroyed, and their occupants were killed. This rapid advance of the Houthis on the western coast has highlighted the weakness and fragility of the coalition supporting the Yemeni government forces.
Forces known as the National Resistance Forces announced that the Houthis had planned this operation for months and advanced with over 70,000 military personnel. They simultaneously attacked various areas with dozens of missiles, drones, and boats filled with explosives.
According to estimates, the Houthis will have around 350,000 military personnel by 2024, which could pose further challenges for the Yemeni government forces.
