Escalating Conflict in Yemen: Houthis Launch Attacks on Marib

Yemen faces escalating conflict as Houthi forces launched a new round of attacks. On Friday, Houthi militants targeted displacement camps and residential areas in Marib city, reportedly causing two deaths and injuring 14 others, as reported by state news agency SABA.

The Houthi group claims they aimed at Saudi-backed military targets, including forces, depots, and equipment in the Sahn al-Jinn camp using ballistic missiles and drones. These claims have not been independently verified.

This assault follows a deadly incident where at least 30 Yemeni government troops died in strikes across Marib and Hadramawt. It marks one of the most severe escalations in recent months. The Houthis admitted to Thursday’s attacks, asserting they targeted Saudi military sites responding to what they perceive as a buildup by Saudi forces against territories they control.

Hans Grundberg, the U.N. Special Envoy for Yemen, called the situation dire, pointing to risks of renewed large-scale conflict, echoing the most challenging times since a U.N.-brokered truce in April 2022. He urged all parties to show restraint and participate in U.N.-led discussions, warning that continued aggression could lead Yemen into a broader regional conflict.

The Houthis recently declared a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia in the Red Sea, claiming retaliation for a supposed Saudi siege on Yemen, which Saudi officials dispute. Saudi Arabia’s military coalition has supported Yemen’s recognized government since 2015 after the Houthis captured the capital, Sanaa, in 2014. This conflict has severely impacted Yemen, resulting in one of the most significant humanitarian crises globally.