The gas-rich region of Marib has been a refuge for hundreds of thousands of people fleeing violence during Yemen’s six-year-old war, expanding its main city rapidly. The recent push towards Marib by Houthi forces, who control Yemen’s most populous areas, comes alongside intensified drone attacks into Saudi Arabia by the Iran-aligned group. UN Special Envoy to Yemen Martin Griffiths has said the resumption of Houthi hostilities near Marib was extremely concerning at a time of renewed diplomatic momentum. Najeeb Al-Saadi, director of the government’s IDP camp management unit, told Reuters Houthi forces on Monday hit four camps to Marib city’s east. Marib city is also the last line of defence before Yemen’s biggest gas and oil fields, which are in government hands.

Source: Egypt Independent February 16, 2021 16:30 UTC