Yemen’s fragile peace is on the verge of collapse as Houthi rebels launched a barrage of ballistic missiles and drone strikes on the government-held city of Marib, leaving a trail of destruction and chaos in their wake.
The attacks, which began on Saturday, have resulted in several injuries and significant damage to residential areas, vehicles, and property. Local authorities reported that four ballistic missiles and four drones targeted the city, causing widespread panic and displacement.
The Houthis’ actions are a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of war and the urgent need for a lasting peace settlement.
A fifth ballistic missile was later launched, injuring one person, while a sixth missile was fired overnight, further escalating the tensions. The strikes have been denounced by Yemen’s Ministry of Information as a dangerous escalation that threatens the lives of civilians and exacerbates the humanitarian crisis.
Marib, which hosts the largest number of internally displaced people in Yemen, is particularly vulnerable to such attacks. With over two million people forced to flee their homes due to the conflict, the city’s residential areas are densely populated, making them susceptible to significant damage and loss of life.
The attacks on Marib are part of a broader escalation of violence in Yemen, which has gripped the country since early August. The conflict has resulted in significant loss of life, including the deaths of at least 30 government soldiers in a single episode, making it one of the deadliest incidents in years.
The United Nations has warned that Yemen is at risk of returning to full-scale war, with the UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, cautioning that the country faces its highest risk of conflict since the 2022 truce. As the situation continues to deteriorate, it remains to be seen whether the international community can broker a lasting peace and bring an end to the suffering of the Yemeni people.