File image.
The Houthis (Ansar Allah) had captured the Bulq al-Sharqi mountain which overlooks the southern outskirts of the central Yemeni city of Ma’rib from Saudi-backed forces, the Beirut-based al-Mayadeen TV reported on December 8, citing a Yemeni military source.
The large mountain was the last geographical obstacle standing between the Houthis and Ma’rib city. The mountain is located less than 20 kilometers to the south of the city center.
Al-Mayadeen’s source claimed that the remaining Saudi-backed forces in the outskirts of Ma’rib city are currently collapsing.
“A few days separate the Yemeni army and the popular committees [Houthis] from completely liberating the city of Ma’rib,” the source said. “The Yemeni military leadership has given a last chance to those who did not surrender to settle their status.”
In the last few weeks, the Saudi-led coalition intensified its airstrikes on Houthis forces in Ma’rib in a bid to stop the group’s advance in the province. Hundreds of Houthi fighters were allegedly killed in these airstrikes.
Between December 7 and 8, coalition warplanes carried out 16 airstrikes on Ma’rib frontlines. The coalition claimed that the airstrikes killed 95 Houthi fighters and destroyed 11 military vehicles, including an air-defense system.
While the coalition’s recent airstrikes did slow down the Houthis’ advance, they ultimately failed to put an end to the group’s offensive.
The Houthis are reportedly now negotiating with senior commanders of Saudi-backed forces in Ma’rib to enter the city without a fight. The Saudi-led coalition will not likely allow this to happen. A fierce battle could breakout inside the city before the end of the year.
Now marib is within artillery range, saudis are screwed!!
AL NASR YEMEN!!
Let’s fukn go!!!