Yemen’s Houthis Escalate in Marib over Consequences of Terrorism Designation

Houthi-aligned armed tribesmen arrive at a gathering to show support to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip in the northern outskirts of Sanaa, Yemen January 16, 2025. REUTERS/Khaled Abdullah
Houthi-aligned armed tribesmen arrive at a gathering to show support to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip in the northern outskirts of Sanaa, Yemen January 16, 2025. REUTERS/Khaled Abdullah
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Yemen’s Houthis Escalate in Marib over Consequences of Terrorism Designation

Houthi-aligned armed tribesmen arrive at a gathering to show support to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip in the northern outskirts of Sanaa, Yemen January 16, 2025. REUTERS/Khaled Abdullah
Houthi-aligned armed tribesmen arrive at a gathering to show support to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip in the northern outskirts of Sanaa, Yemen January 16, 2025. REUTERS/Khaled Abdullah

The Houthis have moved large numbers of fighters toward areas controlled by Yemen's internationally recognized government in Marib, a key oil- and gas-producing province, ahead of the US designation of the militias as a foreign terrorist organization enters into force.

At the same time, they have stepped up sabotage operations in liberated regions and continued weapons smuggling.

Yemeni military sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that the Houthis have sent thousands of fighters to the frontlines in southern and western Marib, carrying out limited attacks as they prepare to take control of these areas.

Sources suggest that this move may be an attempt by the Iran-backed Houthi group to disrupt the situation and avoid the consequences of being officially designated as terrorists by the US government.

Meanwhile, the Yemeni Armed Forces announced thwarting Houthi attacks in several sectors in Marib, using artillery, Katyusha rockets, and snipers.

Military sources added that the group continues to send reinforcements to the frontline.

The Yemeni government estimates that the Houthis are planning to target areas under their control, focusing on oil and gas fields to create confusion as US blacklisting takes effect.

These developments follow concerns raised by the UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, in his latest briefing to the Security Council.

He expressed alarm over reports of Houthi military operations in Hankah Al Masoud village in Al-Bayda province, the killing of two children, and the wounding of others in an attack west of Taiz, calling for an immediate halt to these attacks.

Houthi leader Mohammed Muftah, appointed deputy prime minister of the self-declared government, warned the US against any punitive actions targeting the group or Yemen’s economy.

He said such steps would be seen as a declaration of war, promising a strong response.

Muftah urged the US to “understand this message” and also pledged to fight any new “US conspiracies.”



Lebanese President Calls for Pressuring Israel to Implement Ceasefire Agreement

A handout photo provided by the Lebanese Presidency on March 26, 2025, shows Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun (R) meeting with France's envoy to Lebanon Jean-Yves Le Drian (C) at the Presidential Palace in Baabda. (Photo by Lebanese Presidency / AFP)
A handout photo provided by the Lebanese Presidency on March 26, 2025, shows Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun (R) meeting with France's envoy to Lebanon Jean-Yves Le Drian (C) at the Presidential Palace in Baabda. (Photo by Lebanese Presidency / AFP)
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Lebanese President Calls for Pressuring Israel to Implement Ceasefire Agreement

A handout photo provided by the Lebanese Presidency on March 26, 2025, shows Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun (R) meeting with France's envoy to Lebanon Jean-Yves Le Drian (C) at the Presidential Palace in Baabda. (Photo by Lebanese Presidency / AFP)
A handout photo provided by the Lebanese Presidency on March 26, 2025, shows Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun (R) meeting with France's envoy to Lebanon Jean-Yves Le Drian (C) at the Presidential Palace in Baabda. (Photo by Lebanese Presidency / AFP)

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has called on the US and France to press Israel to uphold its commitments under the ceasefire agreement announced between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah in November.

During a meeting with French Presidential Envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian at Baabda Palace on Wednesday, Aoun highlighted ongoing Israeli violations in south Lebanon, which he said contradict the ceasefire agreement, citing Israel’s continued occupation of five strategic hills and its failure to release Lebanese citizens taken captive during the recent conflict.

Aoun also urged the guarantors of the agreement to press Israel to uphold its commitments to preserve their own credibility and to ensure the restoration of stability and the cessation of hostilities.

The ceasefire ended Israel's intense bombardment and ground operations in Lebanon and Hezbollah's daily rocket barrages into Israel. Each side has accused the other of failing to implement the deal in full.

Israel says Hezbollah still has military infrastructure in the south. Lebanon and Hezbollah say Israel is occupying Lebanese land by continuing to carry out some airstrikes and keeping its troops at five hilltop positions near the frontier.

The discussions between the Lebanese president and the French envoy also covered the security situation along Lebanon’s border with Syria.

Aoun told Le Drian that he was looking forward to his meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Friday.

The visit, Aoun said, is an opportunity to express his appreciation for France’s unwavering support for Lebanon and mainly Macron’s personal role in facilitating Lebanon’s presidential election.

The President also stressed that reform remains a top priority, alongside the reconstruction of towns and villages devastated by Israeli bombardment during the recent war.

Le Drian also visited Prime Minister Nawaf Salam at the Grand Serail and Speaker Nabih Berri in Ain el-Tineh.