Yemen: Saudi-led coalition announces nationwide two-week ceasefire from April 9

Event

On Wednesday, April 8, the Saudi-led coalition announced a two-week ceasefire across Yemen from Thursday, April 9. The ceasefire will be effective from 12:00 (Saudi Arabia time). Saudi officials stated that this will allow the Houthi rebel group to join UN-backed peace talks between them and Yemen's government, and allow Yemen to address the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). A spokesperson for the Saudi government stated that any attacks launched by the Houthis during this period would be met with retaliatory action. As of Wednesday, it is unclear if the Houthis will abide by the ceasefire.

Context

Yemen is engaged in a complex and deadly conflict, ongoing since Houthi rebels entered a civil war with the Yemeni government, supported by a Saudi-led coalition, in 2015. The Saudi-led coalition has carried out thousands of airstrikes in Yemen since its intervention began. Hundreds of Yemeni civilians have been killed in the strikes, which have hit schools, hospitals, and markets, in addition to Houthi militant positions and personnel. In total, more than 10,000 Yemenis have died in the fighting and some 3 million have been displaced.

Advice

Due to poor security conditions, many Western governments strongly advise their citizens against all travel to Yemen. Travel to the country should only be considered with proper security protocols in place. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.