Yemen army makes more gains in Marib

Yemeni government forces and allied tribesmen yesterday pushed deeper into Al Houthi-controlled areas in Marib’s Serwah district after taking control of Al Makhdara region, local government officials and military sources said.

An aide to the governor of Marib who was briefed about the gains in the province told Gulf News that government forces have thrust deeper into Serwah, Al Houthis’ last bastion in the central province, and liberated several mountains in Al Makhdara, a strategic region located between Sana’a and Al Houthis’ remaining territories in Serwah.

“Al Makhdara is a lifeline supply route where Al Houthis use its main road to get aid and reinforcements from Sana’a to Helan mountain and other locations in Serwah,” the aide said, adding that residents of some recently liberated villages in Marib have begun returning to their homes.

Officials say that dozens of Al Houthis were killed and 12 others captured after fierce battles in Al Makhdara. Two loyalists were also killed and three injured.

“Bodies of Al Houthi fighters are still scattered in the battlefield. The national army has seized military equipment, two pickups and ammunition.” they said.

Fighter jets from the Saudi-led coalition launched several air strikes, targeting Al Houthis’ military reinforcements for besieged fighters on Helan mountain.