Iran-backed Houthi rebels, who control the nearby capital of Sanaa, have been trying to capture Marib and strategic points surrounding it, including oil and gas production facilities. Houthi militia fighters claim to have captured territory overlooking the city of Marib, held by forces loyal to Hadi. Video on Houthi media claims to show Houthi fighters pushing back government forces. Marib is located about 120 kilometers east of Sanaa. It is also reported that off the coast of Somalia, a U.S. naval ship captured a number of small vessels involved in smuggling Iranian weapons to the Houthis in Yemen.
Sourcehttps://www.voanews.com/middle-east/intense-fighting-reported-outside-yemens-marib