YEMEN: ESCALATION IN MARIB DRIVES SERIOUS REPERCUSSIONS FOR SECURITY AND ECONOMIC OUTLOOK

   Wed, 13 October 2021

Houthi rebel forces are drawing closer to the strategic city of Marib, whose seizure from Yemen’s internationally recognised government could be a pivotal moment in the seven-year war. Marib is a key source of economic income thanks to its natural resources and its position as the last northern bastion of the government. If it falls into rebel hands, not only would the Houthis control all northern territory, but it could also facilitate the capture of other governorates. A loss of revenue from Marib oil and gas production would affect the government’s ability to finance imports and give the Houthis access to sources of oil and gas revenues.