Yemen allies set to attack Sanaa

Yemen’s national army and resistance backed by Arab coalition air force seized more rebel positions in Taiz and other areas as they advance in a major offensive that opens the way for the final battle to take control of the capital Sanaa.

In their push to liberate the Southwestern town of Taiz, the army and resistance fighters have seized most of the city since they launched a final offensive on Monday while massive reinforcements continue to arrive in the areas and Marbib governorate in Central Yemen, according to military sources.

“These victories over the past few days and the reinforcement being sent to those areas are a clear indication that the battle of Sanaa is close,” the UAE Arabic language daily Emarat Al Youm said, quoting military sources in Yemen.

It said other indications for a major offensive to seize Sanaa, the main stronghold of the Iranian-backed Houthis and their allies, include the return of Yemeni President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi to Aden this week and statement by Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister that the war in Yemen is nearing its end.

The paper quoted the sources as saying they expect a quick end to the coup insurgents due to the tragic socio-economic situation in the areas under their control and the high morale of the army and resistance fighters following major victories on the ground.

“Heavy reinforcements have arrived near Marib over the past days…the include armoured vehicles and other equipment backed by soldiers who have been trained on street fighting and attack tactics… it is clear that these forces are being sent for the battle to liberate Sanaa,” the report said.

In Taiz, the army and resistance fighters advanced on most fronts under heavy coalition air cover as the rebels continued to retreat, it said, adding that the insurgents were trying to hinder the allies’ advance by planting landlines in areas they are quitting.

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