Yemen prospects hinge on the battle for a key city

Significance

Despite intensified diplomatic activity this week via Oman, the Huthis have reportedly brought more troops up to the front lines, while the Saudi-led coalition backing the Hadi government has launched new air strikes against their positions to the south and west of the city. Washington yesterday imposed new sanctions on an Iran-linked Huthi financing network.

Impacts

• An upsurge in Marib fighting could undermine de-escalation efforts and discussions on airport reopening in the Huthi-held capital, Sana’a.
• Pro-Hadi forces may again try to divert Huthi resources by attacking positions in Taiz, Bayda and elsewhere.
• Salafi-jihadist fighters deployed on the Hadi government side could divert money and weapons to other arenas, such as Abyan.