Saudi Coalition Withdraws Half Its Forces from Marib
The Saudi-led coalition has ordered the withdrawal of approximately 12,000 reserve fighters from Marib, including forces affiliated with the Islah Party and other allied factions. According to resistance spokesman Amir al-Humaiqani, the move signals a formal end to combat operations against the Houthis.
Amir al-Humaiqani, spokesperson for the Humaiqani Resistance Forces, reported that the Saudi-led coalition has ordered the withdrawal of approximately 12,000 reserve fighters, including members of the Islah Party and affiliated factions from the city of Marib. Al-Humaikani criticized the move, calling it a de facto declaration of the end of hostilities with the Houthis!
This withdrawal represents more than half of the armed personnel stationed in Marib, a city currently under the influence of Islah militants, forces loyal to Lt. Gen. Sagheer bin Aziz, and Saudi-backed tribal groups such as the Humaikani clan. The Humaikani tribe, originally from al-Bayda province, had retreated to Marib following failed operations against al-Qaeda and ISIS in the region.
It remains unclear whether the decision is part of a broader strategy to elevate Ahmed, the eldest son of former President Ali Abdullah Saleh, in Marib, or a shift in Saudi policy aimed at consolidating control over occupied areas in Yemen.
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