Barran Press
According to the director of the Barran Media Foundation, journalist Mohammed Al-Salehi, in an interview on Al Arabiya Al Hadath, the Marib-Beidha road will be open to citizens within two days after the completion of war debris removal, dune clearance, and road security measures to ensure the safety of travelers.
Al-Salehi explained in a conversation with Al Hadath channel that the initiative to open the roads came from the legitimate authorities following the announcement by a member of the Presidential Council, Major General Sultan Al-Arada, the governor of Marib, to open the Sanaa-Naham road. He urged the internationally classified terrorist group, the Houthi militia, to quickly open it to end the suffering of travelers.
He pointed out that the continued suffering of travelers is a result of the Houthi militia's ongoing road closures and their exploitation of the Yemeni people's plight. He affirmed that everyone is aware of the ongoing blockade and road closures in other provinces, such as Taiz.
He continued, "Al-Arada took the initiative to open the main road connecting Sanaa and Marib through the Naham checkpoint, which is the closest route to Sanaa, with a distance of only 175 kilometers. However, the Houthi militia hesitated, and after four months, they announced the opening of another non-main road in an attempt to escape the popular pressure imposed on them after they were cornered and put in an embarrassing position by the legitimate authority."
He added that the Houthi militia attempted to evade the opening of the roads by announcing the opening of the Marib-Beidha-Sanaa road, noting that the distance of that road is approximately 450 kilometers in addition to its roughness, which may take about 11 hours to travel between Marib and Sanaa.
Al-Salehi states that the legitimate government responded directly to the opening of the Beidha road and did not hesitate to open it, despite it not being the main road and not resolving the citizens' suffering. The government called for the opening of all roads, confirming its full readiness for that.
He added, "The militia did not respond seriously to what it announced during the past five days, and the youth initiative came from Beidha province and extended to Qaniyah and Mahliyah, south of Marib, exerting significant pressure on the Houthi militia to open the road after announcing their agreement to do so but failing to implement it."
Head of the "Barran" Media Foundation, Al-Salhi, made a significant announcement during his satellite appearance on the Al-Hadath channel. He revealed that a convoy, which had been detained and obstructed for five days in Qaniya, finally made its way toward Ma'rib yesterday, catching everyone by surprise. Despite the unexpected turn of events, the legitimate government took responsibility and welcomed the opening of the road.
In the early hours of Wednesday, June 5, 2024, the convoy successfully entered the city. However, uncertainties loom over the Houthi group's intentions, as they attempted to shift the blame onto the legitimate government by abruptly announcing the road's opening after days of delay.
Al-Salhi emphasized that the convoy's extended stay in Qaniya was a deliberate move aimed at exerting sudden pressure on the legitimacy. It seems that Al-Houthi was gambling on a different response from the legitimate government, hoping to sway public opinion by portraying them as the ones opposed to opening the roads.
"The government responded positively and warmly received these guests," Al-Salhi confirmed. The coordinators were escorted into the city of Ma'rib, where they engaged in discussions with the deputy governor and military leaders.
From the outset, the government has been advocating for the opening of roads and even initiated efforts to do so. Al-Salhi stressed that no obstacles are preventing the opening of all roads. The authority in Ma'rib only requires a couple of days to clear obstacles such as war remnants, and dunes, and secure the road for travelers. This particular area serves as a contact front, allowing travelers to traverse the Marib-Al-Bayda-Sanaa road.
Al-Salhi urged the Houthi militia to recognize their responsibility towards travelers and warned against any incidents that may jeopardize their safety. He emphasized the importance of removing the mines, explosive devices, and barrels that the militia had planted along the road.
Once the road is accessible, it will facilitate the passage of a significant number of travelers, particularly those arriving from abroad. Currently, access to many Yemeni cities is limited, and this road will serve as a crucial link.
Contrary to any misconceptions, Al-Salhi vehemently denied any issues with the legitimate government regarding the opening of the Marib-Al-Bayda-Sanaa road. On the contrary, the government has been proactive in its efforts and has called for the opening of all roads, including the Marib-Sanaa road via Nahm Road, which is considered the most viable option. Without opening this road, the plight of travelers will persist.
Al-Salhi explained that the Marib-Nihm-Sana'a road has been prepared since its construction in the 1980s. He emphasized that it was meticulously designed to meet high standards and remains the best option in terms of distance and safety.