— Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi has ordered elite ideological units to reinforce the group’s fronts in Marib and Al-Jawf as government forces advance towards strategically important positions in both governorates, intelligence sources told Sheba Intelligence.

The deployment, ordered over the past two days, involves units known within the group as the “Jihadi Brigades,” which are regarded as special forces composed of some of the Houthis’ most ideologically committed and trusted fighters.

According to the sources, the decision reflects growing concern within the Houthi leadership over developments in Marib and Al-Jawf, where the fighting has evolved into an unexpected war of attrition.

The Houthis had previously shifted significant numbers of fighters and weapons towards Taiz and Yemen’s western coast as part of a broader plan to advance towards Bab al-Mandab, previously revealed by Sheba Intelligence. The renewed pressure in the east now appears to be forcing the group to redistribute part of its elite reserves.

Government Forces Approach Maas Camp

In Marib, military sources told Sheba Intelligence that government forces were closing in on the strategic Maas Camp, amid what they described as a significant deterioration in Houthi defensive positions around the facility.

The sources said the camp could fall if the advance continues at its current pace. The situation, however, remains fluid, and control of the facility has not yet been independently confirmed.

Maas Camp lies near a strategic junction connecting Marib and Al-Jawf. Capturing it would strengthen the government’s position along routes used for military movement and resupply between the two governorates.

Fighting is also continuing in southern Al-Balaq Al-Sharqi, according to the sources. The clashes followed an attempted Houthi breakthrough after the group launched multiple missiles towards Jabal Al-Balaq, which overlooks Marib city.

The Yemeni army’s Third Military Region separately announced the launch of a large-scale operation across Marib’s southern fronts. It said the offensive targeted Houthi positions and concentrations following the detection of repeated infiltration attempts.

According to the military statement, government forces and allied tribal fighters captured several positions, placed some Houthi supply routes under fire control and destroyed military vehicles. The army also reported Houthi fatalities, injuries and captures, although no independently verified figures were released.

The Third Military Region said the operation was intended to secure Marib’s southern belt, disrupt further attacks and consolidate new defensive and offensive positions.

Advance Towards Baraqish Threatens Houthi Supply Route

In Al-Jawf, government forces advancing from the Al-Labnat axis are approaching the ancient city of Baraqish after securing the Al-Labnat military camps, military sources said.

According to the sources, reaching Baraqish would enable government forces to sever a Houthi supply route extending from Nihm towards the remaining military positions east of Al-Maraziq.

Control of the area would also place government forces in a position to exert fire control over territory immediately east of Al-Hazm, the provincial capital.

On the Al-Yatmah axis, government forces continue to hold most of the area despite withdrawing from the local market, the sources said. If the current pace of operations is maintained, advances from Al-Yatmah and Al-Labnat could open two routes towards Al-Hazm.

Such progress would nevertheless depend on the ability of government forces to consolidate newly captured positions, protect extended supply lines and withstand expected Houthi counterattacks.

Airstrikes Intensify Pressure on Houthi Defences

Aircraft carried out intensive strikes against Houthi positions and concentrations across Marib and Al-Jawf during the latest fighting, according to military and field sources.

The strikes have provided cover for government advances, disrupted reinforcements and placed additional pressure on Houthi defensive lines.

The deployment of elite ideological units suggests the Houthi leadership views the developments in Marib and Al-Jawf as more than the loss of isolated frontline positions. Both governorates are important to the group’s supply networks, military reserves and routes connecting Sanaa and Saada with eastern Yemen.

Sheba Intelligence could not independently verify all battlefield claims, territorial changes or reported casualty figures.