A Yemeni military source stated that the Houthi had advanced into Yemen’s central Marib province and captured Al Abdiyah district. Speaking on the condition of anonymity, the source said, “Houthis have completely controlled the district.
Stressing humanitarian conditions, that the district’s residents are living in are getting worse, the source added that Houthis demolished many houses that are belonging to those who fight against them.
The full control of Al Abdiyah came after the group seized control of several areas in the district in the fight against Saudi-backed government forces on Friday.
Last week, the Yemeni government called the UN to take action in Marib against the Houthi offensive, accusing the group of besieging approximately 35,000 residents in Al Abdiyah and depriving them of food and essential supplies.
On the other hand, the Houthis’ capture of Al Abdiyah came after the group rejected the US call to stop attacks on Marib to provide safe passage for civilians.
Posting messages on his Twitter account, Houthi spokesperson Mohammed Abdulsalam claimed that the group is in fight with al-Qaeda and Daesh/ISIS militants in the district. Abdulsalam denounced the US call, saying, “it is a proof of the link between the US and al-Qaeda and Daesh/ISIS militants, who were defeated in Al Abdiyah.
“The shouts of the Americans are getting louder as we take on the positions of al-Qaeda and Daesh/ISIS in Marib,” the Houthi spokesperson added.
On Saturday, the US State Department issued a statement condemning the Houthi offensive towards Marib and hold responsible the group for preventing the movement of people and humanitarian aid.
The statement read, “We call on the Houthis to stop their offensive on Marib, and listen to the urgent calls from across Yemen and the international community to bring this conflict to an end and support an UN-led inclusive peace process.”
