SANAA: Yemen’s Huthi rebels announced a two-week pause in Red Sea operations yesterday, after attacks against Saudi tankers last week prompted Riyadh to suspend oil shipments through a key waterway, reports AFP.

“The unilateral suspension of our naval operations is for a limited period,” the rebels said in a statement released by their defence ministry.

The Huthis’ Twitter and Facebook accounts said the suspension will last two weeks. But “it can be renewed and expanded to other fronts if this initiative is well-received and reciprocated”, the statement said.

The Huthis are fighting a Saudi-led military coalition that backs Yemen’s government.