Forces of Yemen’s Saudi-backed, internationally recognized government in Yemen have reclaimed the entire southern province of Shabwa from Iran-backed Houthi rebels, the AP reports, citing officials.
Government forces and Houthi rebels have been locked for months in a fierce battle in northern Yemen, with heavy fighting in the oil and gas rich Marib and Shabwa provinces.
The development “is a blow to the rebels after government forces earlier this month made significant advances in the country’s south,” according to the AP. Two Houthi members confirmed to the AP the losses.
Battles have intensified since the start of the year after the coalition sent reinforcements to Shabwa.
Marib, in central Yemen in between Sana’a and Shabwa, is a focus in the war. According to Reuters, the government holds the province’s main city and nearby oil and gas infrastructure.
The government’s forces were aided by a pro-government force called the Giants Brigades, part of the Yemeni National Resistance, and Saudi airstrikes.
According to the AP, taking Shabwa “enabled government forces to cut major supply lines for the Houthis, who have been attacking the key city of Marib, the last government stronghold in northern Yemen, since early last year.”
