Fears mount as Islah Party faces potential loss of Marib stronghold

MARIB, Dec. 05 (YPA) -Fears within the Islah Party, the Yemeni branch of the Muslim Brotherhood, escalated on Thursday over the potential collapse of its most important stronghold in the city of Marib, northeastern Yemen.

Informed sources stated that Sultan al-Aradah, a member of the Presidential Council loyal to the Saudi-led coalition, urgently returned to Marib on Thursday from Riyadh, the Saudi capital.

Sources indicated that al-Aradah’s return reflects growing concerns that Marib could fall, similar to what has happened in the governorates of Hadramout and Mahra. This comes amid perceived Emirati efforts to diminish Saudi influence in the region.

Activists affiliated with the Islah Party claimed that a new scheme is underway to push UAE-backed factions to seize control of Marib, as they did in Hadramout and Mahra. They specifically pointed to forces aligned with the pro-coalition government’s Chief of Staff, Sagheer bin Aziz, who is seen as aligned with Tareq Saleh.

Close associates of Ali Mohsen, leader of Islah’s military wing, had expressed concerns days earlier about Saudi and Emirati movements aimed at overthrowing the party’s authority in Marib. These fears appear to be materializing, especially following the party’s recent expulsion from Hadramout and Mahra.

@E.Y.M