Yemen forces sweep through key province in blow to rebels

By SAMY MAGDY
Associated Press

CAIRO (AP) — Yemeni officials say forces of the internationally recognized government and their Emirati-backed allies have swept through the strategic central province of Marib. They said Wednesday that forces have retaken the district of Harib, south of Marib city, after nearly two weeks of fighting. The development is another setback for the Iran-backed Houthis, who for a year attempted to take control of the oil-rich province. Their offensive crumbled when the United Arab Emirates-backed Giants Brigades helped reclaim the nearby Shabwa province earlier this month. The recent escalation has combined with Houthi intense cross-border attacks on Saudi Arabia and the UAE and heavy coalition airstrikes on the rebel-held capital, Sanaa.