The Road to Jerusalem from Mareb: Houthi Militias' Military Buildup Toward Mareb

Recent reports have revealed that Houthi militias have been amassing significant military forces in the direction of Mareb, a strategic province located east of the Yemeni capital, Sana'a. This move signals an escalation in hostilities and a potential resumption of the ongoing conflict in the region after a three-year lull in fighting around the outskirts of the province.

Local sources indicate that, for the past several days, the Houthis have been deploying thousands of fighters and a variety of military equipment to the frontline areas of Siraweh (west), Al-Juba (south), and the outskirts of Raghwan and Mahzam Mas in Medghal (northwest) Mareb. Additionally, the militia has been conducting intense surveillance flights with drones and launching limited attacks and individual infiltration attempts across several fronts in the province.

Over the past two days, the Yemeni army successfully repelled Houthi attacks on various fronts in Mareb, including attempts to advance toward the strategic sectors of Al-Kasara, Al-Mashjah, and Medghal. The Houthis utilized artillery, Katyusha rockets, and snipers in their offensive, which resulted in at least four Yemeni soldiers being injured

In the Al-Faleh sector, the Yemeni army targeted and destroyed a Houthi military vehicle that had been used to attack army positions. In a retaliation strike on Raghwan, the army successfully hit a Houthi position, leading to the injury of three militia members and the destruction of the source of fire.

The Houthi militias' renewed offensive comes after the Gaza war subsided, and it is seen as a means for the Houthis to escape their internal crises by reigniting the conflict in Yemen. This military buildup indicates the militias’ intention to regain control over strategic regions and continue the ongoing civil war in the country.

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