Yemeni forces thwart massive Houthi attack on Marib‏

English version

اليمن العربي

Yemen government forces have thwarted a 'massive' Houthi attack west of Marib city and reinforced their positions as they defend their last northern stronghold, two military commanders and an official said Tuesday.

 

Fierce fighting on multiple frontlines around the strategic city has left at least 67 dead over the past 24 hours, including some 27 loyalist personnel, the three sources said.

 

According to one of the commanders taking part in the defence of Marib, the government forces 'succeeded in repelling a massive attack' at Al-Tala'a Al-Hamra, about 18 kilometres (11 miles) west of the city.

 

'Losing it would enable (the rebels) to advance towards hills and sites close to Marib, and the road would be clear towards the western entrance to the city,' the source added.

 

The second commander confirmed the details. Al-Tala'a Al-Hamra is located near the main highway connecting Marib with the rebel-controlled capital Sanaa.

 

The three sources said that government forces are building defences on the outskirts of Marib, digging trenches and piling up earth mounds in anticipation of any military breakthrough by the rebels.

 

In a series of meetings with representatives of Yemeni civil society, women, political parties and journalists, the UN envoy to Yemen, Martin Griffiths, said the attack on Marib had to stop.

 

In the talks in Egypt which concluded Monday he warned of the dire humanitarian consequences of the offensive, and said it jeopardised the peace process.

 

The government estimates that two million displaced people have made their way to Marib, seeking safety from a devastating war now in its seventh year.

 

The US administration of President Joe Biden is mounting a renewed push to end the conflict, warning that the suffering will only end when a political solution is found.