Sporadic fighting strains fragile Yemen truce

AFP, ADEN: Scattered clashes between rebels and pro-government forces undermined a fragile ceasefire in Yemen Thursday as global pressure intensified for a lasting truce in a country where millions are homeless and hungry.
The ceasefire, for an initial period of three days, took effect shortly before midnight on Wednesday under a United Nations plan which aims to allow sorely needed aid to reach suffering civilians.
A Saudi-led Arab coalition intervened in March 2015 to support the government of President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi after rebels overran much of Yemen.
Saudi Arabia and Washington accuse Iran of arming the insurgents, charges Tehran denies.
Coalition spokesman Major General Ahmed Assiri told Al-Ekhbariya state television that there had been “a certain number of violations” of the ceasefire.
If they continue, he said, the coalition “will take appropriate measures.”
Yemeni residents said they have had enough of failed truces.
“We want a lasting ceasefire,” said Sadok Abdullah, 28, a resident of rebel-held Sanaa.

 

Sporadic fighting strains fragile Yemen truce

AFP, ADEN: Scattered clashes between rebels and pro-government forces undermined a fragile ceasefire in Yemen Thursday as global pressure intensified for a lasting truce in a country where millions are homeless and hungry. The ceasefire, for an initial period of three days, took effect shortly before midnight on Wednesday under a United Nations plan which aims to allow sorely needed aid to reach suffering civilians. A Saudi-led Arab coalition intervened in March 2015 to support the government of President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi after rebels overran much of Yemen. Saudi Arabia and Washington accuse Iran of arming the insurgents, charges Tehran denies. Coalition spokesman Major General Ahmed Assiri told Al-Ekhbariya state television that there had been a certain number of violations of the ceasefire. If they continue, he said, the coalition will take appropriate measures. Yemeni residents said they have had enough of failed truces. We want a lasting ceasefire, said Sadok Abdullah, 28, a resident of rebel-held Sanaa.