The Yemeni army, backed by the Saudi-led Arab Coalition, was able to defeat Houthis in the governorates of Shabwah and Marib, affirmed Yemeni Defense Minister Lt. Gen. Mohammed Ali Al-Maqdashi.
While the minister described coordination with the Giants Brigades as “excellent,” he explained that the Yemeni army is still in the process of liberating districts in Marib.
According to Maqdashi, the Yemeni army advanced more than 27 km in the direction of Safer and international lines.
“Our forces are around the corner from Umm al-Rish and Mala’a and have bypassed the eastern Balaq,” affirmed Maqdashi, adding that Yemeni Army forces were fighting defensive battles everywhere.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Maqdashi revealed that special forces had been deployed around 56 km away from Hajjah governorate’s Harad district.
“The Yemeni Army has not stopped working towards battlefield gains. The Giants Brigades forces have stopped, but they might have future plans,” said Maqdashi.
“Army forces are continuing on all fronts, whether in Marib, Taiz, Al-Jawf, or Harad,” he asserted.
He said that coming days would witness several victories, just like those established with the help of the Giants Brigades on the coast and in the southern governorate of Taiz.
“Our forces are still in Harad and Midi, which are close to Abs. Victory will be achieved with the continuation of the battles, especially if all fronts are opened,” said Maqdashi.
Currently, Yemeni Army forces are stationed 56 km away from Harad and are preparing to fight the battle for freeing the district.
As for future plans to settle battles, Maqdashi pointed out that Yemen is part of the Saudi-led Arab Coalition, which had played a significant role in destroying the Houthi enemy.
“We are confident that we will liberate our country, as we are part of the Arab coalition forces led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” said Maqdashi.
The minister also talked about the Happy Yemen Brigades, the participation of the first military zone in battles next to Hodeidah, and the challenges facing the Yemeni army.
“The biggest challenge facing us is having capabilities in all fields. Houthis took control of everything, and we started building the state again, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia bore a large part in this matter,” said Maqdashi.
Maqdashi also revealed that when the Yemeni army was approaching Sanaa, Houthis were able to gather 15 brigades to attack the army’s positions in Marib and al-Jawf.
