Clashes erupt near Yemen’s Marib amid growing tensions over oil smuggling accusations

MARIB, June 27 (YPA) – Heavy clashes broke out on Saturday on the outskirts of the strategic city of Marib, coinciding with a tightening blockade around the area, local tribal sources reported.

According to the sources, the confrontations took place in the Guwayrban desert, located near key oil fields. The fighting involved the newly formed, Saudi-backed “Emergency Forces” and elements affiliated with the Islah party.

The clashes, which reportedly lasted for two hours and resulted in several casualties, allegedly erupted when individuals close to Marib Governor Sultan al-Aradah, protected by Islah-aligned forces, attempted to transport large quantities of oil through the desert route.

Tensions have been escalating between the Salafist-led Emergency Forces and Islah troops following repeated interceptions of oil shipments suspected of being smuggled. The Emergency Forces have reportedly established a security cordon around the city, controlling its last remaining desert exit toward the neighboring Hadramout governorate.

YPA