111 dead in the conflict between Yemeni army and Houthis; Houthi Rebels initiate drone and missile attacks on Saudi

Sanaa: Over the last three days, 111 people have died in the ongoing conflict between the Yemen army and Houthi rebels. The conflict, which is going on to capture the oil-rich region, Marib, has caused massive bloodshed. In the last four days, the Houthi rebels have been attacking Marib. At the same time, the Houthis have continued drone and missile attacks on the Hadi government in Yemen and Saudi Arabia that backs the Yemen army. In the last 24 hours, the Houthis attacked Saudi Arabia at the pace of four drones and missiles each.

For the last six years, the Iran-backed Houthi rebels have called for conflict with the Saudi supporting the Hadi government in Yemen. The Houthi Rebels gathered under the leadership of Ansarullah Houthi and established their rule after capturing Yemen Capital, Sanaa. Besides, the Saudi supporting Hadi government operates from Yemen’s financial capital and harbour city, Aden, as per the approval of the International Organisation. Thus, over the last few years, two parallel governments in Yemen have been acting in contrast.

Even though Houthi rebels have captured the prime city and port in Yemen, the Hadi government still controls the oil-rich city of Marib. So, since February, the Houthi rebels have initiated attacks to take control of this city. As per the claims, both sides have lost hundreds of fighters in this conflict. In the last three days, the Houthi rebels have initiated attacks on Marib again. This has slain 29 fighters of the Yemen army and 82 Houthi insurgents. Besides, the Houthi rebels have attacked other parts of Yemen as well.

The Houthi rebels believe that negotiating with Saudi Arabia, Arab allies and International Community would become easier if they gain control over Marib. However, concerns are being expressed on an international level over the attacks of the Houthi Rebels to capture Marib. Moreover, about 10 lakh civilians, who were displaced in the ongoing conflict for the last six years, have been allocated in the refugee camps in Marib City. Thus, fears are being expressed that this conflict will threaten the safety and security of these refugees.

Meanwhile, the civil war between the Yemen government and Houthi rebels is considered a secret conflict between Saudi Arabia and Iran. This conflict has killed thousands and displaced millions. Moreover, Raisi, known as an extremist leader, will soon assume his role as President in Iran. Besides, he has indicated strengthening the Iran supporting organisations in the Middle East. So far, Iran was secretly providing aid to Houthi rebels against Saudi and its allies. But, there is a strong possibility that Iran can aggressively assist Houthi rebels during the ruling term of Raisi. Thus, instead of diminishing, the conflict in Yemen will intensify furthermore. The effects of that can be seen; besides, the attacks by Houthi rebels to capture Marib indicate the same thing.