Middle East Eye: Yemen: 65 dead, including top military judge, as Houthis advance on Marib
Marib and its surrounding oil fields make up the last significant pocket of government-held territory in the north of the war-torn country
At least 65 fighters have been killed over the past two days in the battle for Yemen's government-controlled Marib as Houthi rebels have advanced towards the city centre, military sources told AFP.
The rebels have taken full control of the northwest Kassara battlefront and made progress on western front lines despite air strikes by the Saudi-led coalition that backs Yemen's government.
Marib and its surrounding oil fields make up the last significant pocket of government-held territory in the north, the rest of which is under rebel control, including the capital, Sanaa.
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WNU Editor: This battle may indeed determine Yemen's fate .... In a fabled desert city, a decisive battle could determine Yemen's fate (CNN).
More News On The War In Yemen
Yemen rebels advance on Marib -- AFP
Dozens dead as Yemen rebels advance on Marib -- Al Jazeera
Dozens reportedly killed as Yemen's Houthi rebels advance on Marib -- TRT
Battle for Yemen desert city now a key to Iran, US tension -- AP
Battle for Yemen's Marib Scrambles U.S. Push for Truce -- US News and World Report/Reuters
Sanaa to Marib is about 106 miles by road, It is not quite a straight shot. It would take an hour 40 minutes in the US. Maybe and hour and a half. Could you go off highway and take dirt roads and make it between 1 horu and 4 hours.
ReplyDeleteThe supply line has not been cut, but the weight of the edge has been decreased. The Royal Saudi Airforce has been hitting vehicles going to and from Marib from Sanaa.
"The government sources said the Huthis had poured in hundreds of reinforcements in recent days to achieve the gains, resorting to motorbikes after the coalition targeted their military vehicles."
Can motor bikes keep the Houthis around Marib in supply? Do they have enough gas to make a round trip and carry replacement fighters, wounded, ammo, water and food?
What if the bikes are not make the entire 106 mile trip. What id they do relays. Kind of like the rocket equation or Pony Express. Each group of bikes does a segment.
Are Houthis living off the land. Yes, it is a desert, but it seems that they go into the outskirts, so there might be something to scrounge? Enough?
It the the SRF needs to some drones or props to go after the motorbikes. Could they go Orde Wingate or Still well on the Houthis? Hold a road until a front around Marib disintegrates or retreats to other Houthi lines. There are only 2 roads leading from Sanaa to Marib.