Since February, fighting has raged over the northern Yemen city of Maarib, the last government-held possession in the north, as the Houthis and their allies try to contest control over it with a 3-pronged offensive.
In recent weeks, reports are that the Houthis are gaining some ground, and in the last two days they’ve gone deeper in, with heavy fighting killing 96 fighters, mostly Houthis. They are still, slowly but surely, advancing on the city.
Pro-Saudi forces say that the Houthis now pose a “very real threat” to both fronts on the city’s northwest. The third front to the south mostly appears unchanged, and under government control.
Maarib’s value is often overstated, as its wealth of oil and gas is only measurable by comparison to other desperately poor cities in Yemen. The city is small, and struggling with a large refugee problem from the surrounding area.
Maarib’s worth is mostly symbolic as the “last” northern stronghold, as if the Houthis seized Maarib outright, they could lay claim to all of North Yemen, and use that to enhance their position on negotiations.
Saudis are steadily losing this war. No wonder US sent an envoy to demand a ceasefire. Saudis have been stealing 70% of Yemens oil in collaboration with Total for the last five years. Blocked harbours and food and medical supplies, bombed hospitals and killed civilians indiscriminatly. Yemen could probably do without international aid if SA just ended their illegal war. Unfortunately Biden will just keep supporting the Saudi invaders, so prolonging the struggle. US wants Yemen oil, same as in Syria – keep the war going.