The last government stronghold in northern Yemen… Know the most important stages of the Battle of Marib

The Battle of Marib – the strategic oil-rich city – has claimed hundreds of lives so far, and in total tens of thousands have fallen during the 6-year war in Yemen between the Houthis backed by the Iran and government forces supported since 2015 by a military coalition led by Riyadh.

Here are the most important steps in the attack launched by the Houthis in early February to take control of the town of Marib, the last bastion of power in northern Yemen, controlled by government forces backed by coalition forces. Read also A great exodus from Marib. The government warns of the worst and denounces international silence The war continues in Marib and the United Nations warns of a humanitarian catastrophe A new journey for the displaced, the unknown destination. Why do the battles of Ma’rib herald the worst humanitarian crisis in Yemen?

February 8

• After months of calm, the Houthis resumed their attack on Marib after providing reinforcements, government officials said.
• The attack came in light of President Joe Biden’s administration review of US policy in Yemen, which led to the cessation of support for Riyadh military operations and the cancellation of the Houthi classification. as a “terrorist organization”, which threatened the distribution of humanitarian aid. according to non-governmental organizations.

February 16

• US envoy Timothy Lenderking urged the Hou this to “stop their advance” on humanitarian grounds.
• United Nations Humanitarian and Emergency Relief Coordinator Mark Lowcock said: “Any military attack on Marib would endanger up to two million civilians and result in the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people”.

February 20

Government military officials accused the Hou this of using civilians as human shields.

February 26

• More than 60 members of government forces and the Hou this have been killed on multiple fronts in the governorate.
• According to government sources, the coalition launched raids to curb the advance of the Hou this and government forces called on local tribes to support them.

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February 27

During the fighting, 22 members of the government forces were killed, including the special forces commander in Ma’rib and 28 members of the Houthis.

1st of March

US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken called on the Houthis to stop their offensive and embrace peace.

March 5 and 6

As a result of coalition clashes and raids, at least 90 militants were killed; 32 of them are from government forces and their loyal tribes.

the 17th of March

• The Hou this stipulated an end to the air and sea embargo imposed by Riyadh before reaching a ceasefire agreement.
• The United Nations condemned “the escalation” and warned that it would exacerbate the human tragedy.

March 19

• The Hou this have taken control of Hilan Mountain, which overlooks Marib, and the fighting has left dozens dead and injured.
• A government military official said that the loss of the strategic area posed “a threat to the first defensive fronts of Marib”.
• The Hou this have claimed responsibility for a drone attack on the Riyadh oil refinery, in the second major attack since earlier this month on Saudi energy facilities.

March 22

Riyadh proposed a comprehensive ceasefire “under the supervision of the United Nations”, and the Houthis immediately rejected it.

April 12

Two government officials announced that 70 people were killed within 24 hours, and the fighting focused on the fronts of Kassara and Al-Mashjah (north-west of Ma’rib) and Jabal Murad (south of it). Publicity

April 15

United Nations envoy Martin Griffiths urged parties to the conflict to accept his peace plan, stressing that he had won the support of the international community.

April 16

Military sources have confirmed that further battles near Marib have left 96 government forces and Houthis dead in the past 48 hours.