Battle for key Yemeni city intensifies ------------------------------------------- Houthi rebels could take full control of north Yemen with the capture of the oil-rich city of Marib, weakening the government’s negotiating position amid growing U.S. pressure for a political solution ------------------------------------------- Marib: Dozens killed as Iranian- backed rebels intensify attacks on government’s last northern stronghold. Others killed by Saudi-led coalition airstrikes ------------------------------------------- 160km 100 miles SAUDI ARABIA YEME OMAN Sadah Sanaa Red Sea Hodeida Taiz Al Bayda Aden Gulf of Aden Al Mukalla Sparsely populated Houthis have also escalated attacks against Saudi Arabia, using explosive-laden drones Areas with Al Qaeda presence Areas of control: Feb 2021 Houthis and allies Government / Saudi-led coalition ------------------------------------------- CHANGE OF U.S. POLICY In break with Trump administration policy, President Joe Biden has halted support for Saudi-led offensive, including sale of precision-guided munitions to Riyadh and UAE Biden has revoked designation of Houthis as terrorist organisation in effort to mitigate humanitarian crisis in Yemen, where millions are on brink of starvation Longstanding state department official Tim Lenderking appointed as U.S. envoy to try to end war ------------------------------------------- Picture: Getty Images Sources: AP, Reuters, Risk Intelligence © GRAPHIC NEWS words:187