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May 12, 2015

Saudi-Led Airstrikes Pound Yemen Ahead of Truce 
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In Yemen, Saudi-led airstrikes pounded the capital Sanaa and the
southern port of Aden, targeting Shiite Houthi rebels, hours before
today's ceasefire was due to take effect. The Saudi government offered
the five-day truce to allow delivery of humanitarian aid amid the
mounting civilian toll caused by its airstrikes and blockade. On Monday,
Houthi rebels said they had shot down a Moroccan fighter jet
participating in the Saudi-led campaign. Meanwhile both the Saudi and
U.S. governments rushed to reject perceptions of a rift following the
announcement Saudi King Salman will not attend President Obama's summit
of Gulf nations this week. In what is seen as a message of protest over
Iranian nuclear talks, Saudi Arabia will instead send lower-level
officials. White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest denied the move was
a snub.

Josh Earnest: "Again, they have said the Saudis themselves have said
that the reason for the change in the King's travel schedule is not
related at all to the substance of the meeting. I think what they have
indicated is ha said that he would prefer to remain in Saudi Arabia to
monitor the implementation of the humanitarian pause in Yemen."

 

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