Houthis strike Yemen forces, 10 killed in Marib

MARIB: At least 10 people, including eight members of Yemen’s government-aligned security forces and two civilians, were killed in fresh Houthi attacks in the oil-rich Marib province, raising fresh concerns over a possible escalation in the country’s fragile security situation.

According to local officials and military sources, Houthi fighters targeted positions held by forces loyal to Yemen’s internationally recognised government with missiles and drones. The attacks reportedly struck several military locations in Marib, a strategically important province that has remained a major focal point in Yemen’s long-running conflict.

The latest violence comes despite a significant reduction in large-scale fighting across Yemen in recent years. The renewed attacks have therefore sparked concerns that the relative calm could be disrupted and that low-intensity clashes could once again develop into broader military confrontations.

Reports also indicated that Houthi attacks in Marib and neighbouring Hadramout on Friday resulted in additional casualties, suggesting that the latest violence may be part of a wider increase in militant activity across government-held areas.

Marib holds particular strategic importance because of its oil and gas resources as well as its location. Control of the province has long been a key objective for both the Yemeni government and the Houthis.

The latest strikes have added to fears of a new escalation in Yemen, where years of conflict have already caused a severe humanitarian crisis. Any renewed fighting around Marib could carry wider consequences because of the province’s economic resources and military significance.

The Houthis, who control large parts of northern and western Yemen including the capital Sanaa, have been involved in a prolonged conflict with government forces and their allies.

The fresh deaths underline the continuing fragility of Yemen’s security environment and could test efforts to preserve the relative calm that has emerged after years of intense fighting.