Fifty fighters from the pro-government Yemeni forces and Houthis were killed in clashes in Al-Bayda governorate amid an ongoing battle for control of Marib, the last stronghold of the government in northern Yemen. A military source from the government forces stated, "A colonel and 19 others from the government forces were killed in confrontations with the Houthis in areas of Al-Bayda governorate over the past 24 hours," noting that "30 Houthis were killed in these battles and in airstrikes." Another military source confirmed these figures. The Houthis rarely announce their casualties. The Houthis have made progress in Al-Bayda in recent weeks, having gained control over several districts there.
In February, the Houthis escalated their military operations to seize Marib, the last northern stronghold of the government, leading to hundreds of casualties on both sides. Controlling this oil-rich area would enhance the Houthis’ negotiating position in peace talks. The ongoing battles in the region, where many Yemenis have displaced to escape fighting in other areas of the country, have raised fears of a humanitarian disaster.
The conflict in Yemen is between a government backed since 2015 by a military coalition led by Saudi Arabia, and the Iran-backed Houthis who control vast areas of northern and western Yemen, as well as the capital Sana'a since they began their offensive in 2014. While the UN and Washington are pressing for an end to the war, the Houthis demand the reopening of the closed Sana'a airport under a Saudi blockade since 2016, before any ceasefire or negotiations.
The conflict has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of people, including many civilians, according to various humanitarian organizations. Approximately 3.3 million people remain displaced, while 24.1 million people, more than two-thirds of the population, are in need of assistance, as confirmed by the UN, which has repeatedly stated that Yemen is experiencing the worst humanitarian crisis in the world currently.
