Houthi forces are reportedly preparing for a large-scale, multi-directional offensive against government positions in Marib Governorate, aiming to breach the city's defensive lines. The operation is anticipated to commence in the coming days. Sources cited by Sheba Intelligence indicate that the Houthi plan involves simultaneously opening three main axes of attack. This strategy is designed to disperse government forces and exert pressure on their defenses from multiple directions. The first axis is expected to launch from Al-Jubah, targeting the eastern Jabal Al-Balaq. This move would aim to pressure a critical mountainous position that secures the southern approaches to Marib city. A second axis is projected to advance from Dehanat Al-Zur towards the western Jabal Al-Balaq and then to Al-Tal'ah Al-Hamra. This would intensify pressure on the western and southwestern defensive perimeter of Marib. The third axis, according to the report, is anticipated to extend from Ragwan towards Madghal. This maneuver would create additional pressure from the north and northwest, potentially forcing government troops to distribute their units and reserves across several fronts concurrently. The underlying objective of this coordinated assault appears to be the avoidance of concentrated Houthi efforts in a single direction. By launching simultaneous attacks, the rebels aim to test government defenses and identify vulnerabilities for exploitation, facilitating deeper breaches. These impending movements follow a recent military operation by government forces on the southwestern front of Marib, which reportedly inflicted significant losses on a Houthi formation, including the casualties of several fighters and field commanders. The anticipated escalation places Marib once again at the center of wider regional tensions. Previous intelligence reports have indicated a broader military buildup encompassing three primary fronts: Marib-Al Jawf, Taiz-Bab El Mandeb, and the Saudi-Yemeni border. Earlier reports from Sheba Intelligence in July highlighted a high-level meeting in Sana'a that discussed potential military escalations on these fronts. Subsequent reports suggested meetings between Iranian officials and Houthi military leaders to discuss a new phase of military operations. According to those reports, discussions specifically focused on Marib and its oil resources, alongside an expansion of operations on the west coast towards Bab El Mandeb. At the time, the network stated it could not independently verify all details of these meetings. The prospective military activities around Marib gain additional significance in light of recent military escalations on the west coast fronts. This suggests, according to the sources' analysis, a Houthi effort to distribute military pressure across multiple operational theaters simultaneously. |
