In a fabled desert city, a decisive battle could determine Yemen's fate
CNN
Marib is a tiny island of hope in a sea of discarded dreams. After six years of war, the city of more than 2 million people has emerged as pivotal in Yemen's future.
The fabled desert oasis, and reputed home to the Queen of Sheba, is today hot, dry and dusty. The rainy season approaches, as does an anticipated Iran-backed Houthi offensive. Empty plastic bags and crumpled water bottles interspersed with freshly planted trees shaped into hearts line a newly crafted meridian. Fading posters of Yemen's President Abdu Rabu Mansour Hadi hang alongside much newer images of the city's latest war hero-turned-Houthi target, the head of Yemen's special forces, killed late February. His replacement was also killed, just this week.More Related News