Rivals battle for Mareb oil fields as fuel crisis hits the Yemeni economy

As Houthi forces continue to advance from the west towards the city of Mareb, a new front has opened south of Mount Murad along the border with Al-Baydha governorate. Any major gains in this area would see Houthis controlling the area around Mareb city from the west, south- west and south, leaving only the open desert areas to the north and east.The oil-rich province has served as a primary base for the Saudi-led coalition since the conflict started and its hydrocarbons are a vital source of revenue for President Abd- Rabbu Mansour Hadi’s Riyadh-based government.