Yemenis Warn Fall Of Maarib Would Be Like a Dam Breaking

For most of 2021, the war in Yemen has focused on Maarib. In recent weeks, the Houthis have nearly surrounded the city, with the expectation of a final siege soon.

FM Ahmed Awad Mubarak dismissed the concern, expressing confidence in keeping the Houthis out of the city. He also blamed Iran for the ongoing war.

Despite this confidence, Mubarak also warned the situation would be like a dam breaking if Maarib ultimately fell to the Houthis. He specifically referenced the Dam of Arim.

Thousands of years ago, that dam was just southwest of Maarib, The dam was economically important, and its collapse, described in the Quran, was devastating for the area, leading to massive flight from the region.