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May 11, 2015

Saudi Arabia Intensifies Bombing Before Yemen Truce Begins 
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A five-day ceasefire is set begin in Yemen on Tuesday after Houthi
rebels accepted a proposal from Saudi Arabia. The Saudi government
offered the truce last week amid mounting criticism that its military
campaign and blockade of Yemen has caused massive civilian suffering.
Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir said the pause could be renewed if
it lasts.

Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir: "We announced that we were
looking at a five-day ceasefire in Yemen for humanitarian purposes in
order to allow the flow of humanitarian assistance to Yemen. We have
made a decision that the ceasefire will begin this Tuesday, May 12 at
11pm and will last for five days and is subject to renewal if it works
out."

The Houthis say they hope the pause will lead to political talks under
the guidance of the United Nations. The Saudi-led coalition has
escalated air strikes before the truce takes effect, bombing the
compound of the Houthi-allied former president Ali Abdullah Saleh in the
capital Sana. The attack came just after the Saudi government declared
the province of Saada a military zone and ordered all its residents to
flee. In a statement, the UN's humanitarian coordinator warned the
threat to Saada could be "a contravention of international humanitarian
law" that has "put countless civilians at risk."

 

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