Dozens killed as Houthi rebels target last government stronghold in Yemen
SMA NEWS – MARIB
Dozens were killed in overnight clashes in Yemen as Iran-backed Houthi rebels intensified attacks to seize the government’s last northern stronghold, officials said Sunday.
Earlier this month, the Houthis resumed an offensive to seize Marib, some 120 kilometres (75 miles) east of Sana’a.
The city’s loss would be disastrous for Yemen’s beleaguered leadership.
Two government military officials said at least 16 pro-government forces were killed and 21 wounded in the past 24 hours, adding that “dozens were killed” among Houthi ranks.
The Houthis have cut off supply lines to a district about 50 kilometres south of the city, with “the goal to lay siege to Marib”, one of the sources said.
The upsurge in violence comes shortly after the United States decided to remove the rebels from its list of terrorist groups in order to ensure humanitarian work in Yemen is unimpeded and to pave the way to restart peace talks.
Observers say the Houthis are seeking to take control of Marib as leverage before entering into any negotiations with the internationally recognised government.
If the city falls into rebel hands, the Houthis will have full control of north Yemen, weakening the government’s negotiating position, according to observers.
