Houthi rebels hit by Marib counter-offensive
Fighting between Iran-backed Houthi rebels and tribes supporting the Yemeni government intensified in areas between Marib and Al Bayda in northern Yemen on Saturday, tribal sources told The National.
Yemen’s government is taking the fight to the rebels after the Houthis launched an offensive to capture the ancient city of Marib, the government’s last northern stronghold, in February.
“Saturday’s battle, which raged in Al Mushairif, Rahabah and Jabal bin Huraiz, was the fiercest since February,” tribal leader Sheikh Mohammed Al Qardaie told The National. “Clashes intensified as Houthi rebels pushed huge reinforcements, attempting to recapture the district of Al Rahabah, which our fighters liberated last Wednesday,” he said.
“We launched a counterattack which thwarted the Houthi attempt and took more ground near Al Mahiliya district, aiming to cut the main Houthi supply route that links Al Bayda and Marib and links Marib with Sanaa.”
Pro-government forces were supported by aircraft belonging to the Saudi-led Arab coalition.
The Saudi Arabian Air Force’s F-15S Eagles can carry tonnes of guided weapons.
In Belad Murad, in southern Marib, coalition jets launched a dozen strikes against Houthi reinforcements.
“The air strikes precisely targeted Houthi military reinforcements heading from Sanaa towards Al Rahabah district, southern Marib,” Mr Al Qardaie said.
Forty Houthi fighters were killed and many of their military vehicles were destroyed by air strikes in Al Mushairif, he said.
Government forces have also called for air strikes to target areas that Houthi rebels recaptured last week from the pro-government Al Amalika Brigades and the Public Resistance of Al Bayda, both local volunteer forces.
According to Mustafa Al Baydhani, spokesman for the Public Resistance in Al Bayda, Houthi rebels raided residential areas of the Al Homaikan tribes who took part in the battle to liberate Al Zahir and As Sawmaah last week.
“They rounded up dozens of people, including the elderly, accusing them of working with the government,” Mr Al Baydhani said.
“Residents in these areas were forced to leave their homes.
“Dozens of families fled their homes and many of them are still living under trees in remote valleys.
“Some were displaced to Yafea area in Lahj province in southern Yemen.”