THREAD: Executive Director @MAlmadhaji writes that the future of the war in #Yemen will be determined in #Marib. As #Houthi forces seek to seize control of Marib’s oil and gas resources, local tribes lead the defense amid government disarray. sanaacenter.org/publications/a…
In recent weeks, the battle for #Marib has turned into a war of attrition, with the #Houthis throwing more fighters against multiple fronts. A recent reorganization of army forces has managed to partially stabilize the situation, but it remains tenuous.
By attacking southern #Marib, the #Houthis pitted themselves against one of the most cohesive and most powerful tribal blocs in the governorate, the Murad tribe. It and most other local tribes have a prominent sense of their Sunni identity, putting them at odds with the Houthis.
Additionally, the Jada’an tribe, which despite its small size compared to the Murad and Abaidah tribes, has been exceptional in confronting #Houthi attacks. This defense has proven vital, as a breakthrough in the northwest would put Houthi forces within reach of #Marib city.
This comes at a time when there has been exceptional failure by the #GoY and coalition to support Marib’s tribes, which have been loyal to the GoY and oppose the #Houthis. What has protected #Marib so far from falling is primarily the steadfastness of its local #tribes.
A win for either side in the battle for #Marib would be a turning point in the #Yemen war. A #Houthi victory would radically reshape Yemen, granting the group access to the country’s oil and gas resources and the revenues that come with them.
The international community has been focused on the battle for #Marib, knowing that the result, one way or the other, will shape the future of the war, and potential peace, in #Yemen.
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