Yemen Officials: At Least 200 Killed in Fighting Around Maarib

On Wednesday, Saudi Arabia reported 145 Houthis killed in 24 hours of airstrikes. Yemeni officials are now reporting at least 200 killed in 48 hours, including fighting on the ground.

Heavy fighting has also wounded hundreds in the areas around Maarib. As is often the case, there is no sign any territory changed hands, and the Houthis remain close to taking the city.

That’s been the story of this offensive, heavy death tolls but steady progress on the Houthi side. After nine months, the Houthis have the city nearly surrounded, and the pro-Saudi forces are expecting a siege.

The center of fighting for most of the year, Maarib is now a hugely symbolic prize, and the victor likely will have an advantage in any peace talks that follow.