Abdu Rabbu Hulais, deputy director of Marib Governor Sultan Al-Aradah’s office, warned that the Iran-backed Houthis’ ongoing war against Marib could erupt into full-scale conflict at any moment. Speaking at the Yemen International Forum in Amman, Hulais described the truce in place since April 2022 as “fragile,” with the Houthis persisting in daily provocations, including drone strikes and gunfire along active frontlines.  

Hulais stressed that Marib’s authorities are ready to defend the governorate, as they have in previous assaults. However, he cautioned that renewed fighting would worsen the plight of communities under Houthi control, further deepening Yemen’s humanitarian crisis.  

He underscored Marib’s critical role in Yemen’s decade-long war, sparked by the Houthis’ 2014 seizure of Sana’a. Despite absorbing millions of displaced people, Marib’s local government has worked tirelessly to deliver essential services amid relentless pressure.  

Addressing claims that Marib withholds oil revenues, Hulais clarified that energy companies operate under central regulation, with all proceeds directed to the Central Bank, except for legally allocated shares to local authorities. He noted that the war has halted major oil and gas exports, severely constraining resources.  

As tensions escalate in early 2025, the Houthis have intensified their focus on Marib, heightening fears of a broader conflict. This follows a recent plea from UN envoy Hans Grundberg for immediate de-escalation and renewed commitment to peace talks.