Read on Twitter
1. [Thread] Yemen, surprisingly, has become a top foreign policy priority for the Biden administration in its first weeks. Marib governorate in central Yemen is under the control of the internationally recognized government of Yemen.
2. In addition to its oil fields and its Safer oil refinery, Marib is a key producer of natural gas, supplying the entire country.
3. Marib also houses up to 2 million IDPs who have fled the ravages of war, particularly from Sana’a. In the past few days, the Houthis have launched a large-scale ground offensive and missile attacks on several front lines around Marib.
4. Fighting is taking place about 10 kilometres west of Marib from Al Jawaf towards Raghwan district and Alrowaik area. This recent battle may cut-off the main Marib – Seiyon road near Safer petroleum facility and consequently encircle Marib city.
5. Hostilities including missile attacks on targets in the city will cause a major displacement from Marib to southern governorates including Shabwah and Hadramot.
6. If the Houthis seize Marib, they will have control over most of Yemen’s population, an important natural resource base, and will be less likely to negotiate a peace settlement with the government and other Yemeni factions.
7. Before the escalation of hostilities in 2020, Marib governorate already hosted the largest IDP population and the largest IDP camp in Yemen. IOM’s DTM Area Assessment from 2018 puts the number of IDPs in the governorate at 800,000 people.
8. Since January 2020, 19 new IDP hosting sites or informal settlements have opened in Medghal, Marib city, Marib Al-Wadi and Sirwah districts, bringing the total number of sites in the governorate to 125.
9. The local authority estimated the displaced population at 2 million IDPs which makes Marib one of the most densely populated cities in Yemen during the war. Note, however, that there is unclear reporting regarding the number of IDPs - with a range between 800k to 2 million.
10. Bottom line: An attack on Marib will have immense humanitarian implications for some of the world’s most vulnerable people and it could change the trajectory of Yemen for generations to come. [End].