Tensions rose in Marib as Houthi forces continued to send reinforcements to the governorate and clashes broke out on several fronts. A series of Houthi military tests and maneuvers provided some insight into the scale of mobilization that has happened over recent months. During the first week of August, foreign munitions experts were reported attending Houthi weapons testing in the…

The government approved an agreement to establish a joint telecommunications company with an Emirati company to provide mobile phone and internet services in government-controlled areas on August 21, over opposition from several members of parliament. In a letter to Prime Minister Maeen Abdelmalek Saaed, 22 MPs in the government-aligned House of Representatives objected to the proposed sale of Aden Net…

The strategic city of Marib saw an increase in fighting on several fronts. The Houthis have been reinforcing their positions in the area, which they attempted to seize in a massive and costly offensive two years ago. Should negotiations break down, Marib is seen as a likely area of renewed contestation due to its oil and gas resources. A new…

Helen Lackner is one of the foremost scholars focused on the history of the conflict in Yemen. A renowned and prolific author, she lived and worked in Yemen for more than 15 years, working on social aspects of rural development. Currently a non-resident fellow at the Sana’a Center, Lackner sat down to detail observable changes to women’s daily lives and…

The UN-led peace process has remained stalled since a formal truce expired without extension last October, and has since been superseded by direct bilateral talks between Saudi Arabia and the Houthi group (Ansar Allah). Nevertheless, the UN and US special envoys have continued to actively consult with the respective belligerents. On August 9, UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg…

Recent revelations of bad blood between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates confirm what observers of Yemeni politics have long known – that the relationship between the two countries leading the military campaign to restore the internationally recognized government has deteriorated to an alarming degree. On the ground, the rift is contributing to political and economic instability, and escalating…