YEMEN: AT LEAST 65 DEAD IN BATTLE FOR MARIB

Thu 02 September 2021:

A military spokesman told AFP on Thursday that 65 members of the Iran-backed Houthi militia and pro-government forces were killed in resumed battle for the crucial Yemeni city of Marib.

The fighting began when the Houthis launched an attack on pro-government positions south of the city, despite losing hundreds of fighters to coalition air strikes.

“Twenty-two pro-government [forces] were killed and 50 others were wounded, while 43 Houthi [militia] were also killed in the last 48 hours,” a government military official said, in figures that were confirmed by other military and medical sources.

The violence comes after airstrikes in Yemen’s south killed at least 30 pro-government forces on Sunday, in the country’s bloodiest event since December.

Yemen’s internationally recognized government, which is supported by an Arab military coalition, has been at war with the Houthis since the Houthis took the capital, Sanaa, in 2014.

The Houthis intensified their efforts to conquer Marib, the government’s last northern stronghold, in February, in warfare that has killed hundreds on both sides.

The Houthis’ bargaining position in peace talks would be strengthened if they could control the oil-rich region.

(Input with Agency) | FILE PHOTO

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