Marib focus as government advance on Sanaa falters

Forces loyal to President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, supported by the Saudi-led coalition, have seen their progress stall to the east of Sanaa. In mid-summer, these forces claimed they were about 30km from Sanaa. However, the bulk of fighting has since moved from the Nihm district of Sanaa province back to Sirwah in Marib province, 135km east of the capital. Many believe that recent efforts to advance in Mocha and Taiz are a result of the inability to gain ground closer to the capital (GSN 1,031/5).