Houthis plot major assault on government positions around Marib

Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement is preparing a major offensive against government forces around Marib from three directions, sources told Sheba Intelligence.

According to the sources, the operation could begin within the next few days. On the southern axis, the Houthis are reportedly expected to advance from the Al-Jubah area toward Jabal al-Balaq al-Sharqi. On the southwestern axis, the planned advance would run from the Dhanat al-Zawr area toward Jabal al-Balaq al-Qibli and then to Al-Tala’ah al-Hamra. The third axis would extend from Raghwan toward Medghal, putting pressure on government forces from the north and northwest.

“Simultaneous pressure across several fronts could be intended to stretch government defenses and identify vulnerabilities that could be exploited for a deeper advance,” the publication wrote.

According to the report, the Houthis may be seeking to seize the initiative following their recent defeat on Marib’s southwestern front.

By Jeyhun Aghazada