World
Houthis attack Yemeni forces as Iran-Oman Hormuz deal nears finalisation
Houthi rebels intensify strikes in Marib and Lahj as Tehran and Muscat move toward a maritime security agreement for the Strait of Hormuz.
Houthi forces launched a series of military strikes against Yemeni government troops in the central Marib province and along the southern frontlines on Friday, 7 August. The escalation comes as regional diplomatic efforts intensify, with Iran and Oman nearing a final agreement regarding maritime security and navigation protocols in the Strait of Hormuz. Frontline clashes in Marib and Lahj Field reports indicate that Houthi fighters engaged Yemeni National Army units in the Al-Kassarah and Al-Balaq districts of Marib. Concurrently, clashes were reported in the Kirsh sector of Lahj governorate. The Houthi military spokesperson claimed the operations were a response to alleged ceasefire violations, though government officials in Aden reported the group is attempting to seize strategic heights overlooking energy infrastructure. The timing of these attacks is linked to the advanced stage of negotiations between Muscat and Tehran. The proposed Iran-Oman deal aims to establish a joint mechanism for monitoring the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint where approximately 20% of the world\'s oil consumption passes daily. The Houthi movement, which maintains close ties with Tehran,…