Coronavirus: Riyadh-led coalition announces ceasefire in Yemen

A young Yemeni man wears a protective mask in Sanaa in fear of the Covid-19 on March 17, 2020 (illustration image). REUTERS / Khaled Abdullah

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The Saudi-led military coalition, which operates in Yemen in support of government forces, will observe a cease-fire from Thursday (April 9th) in the war-torn country to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus, said Wednesday a Saudi official.

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" We are announcing a cease-fire from Thursday for two weeks. We expect the (rebel) Houthis to accept it. We are preparing the ground to fight Covid-19 disease in Yemen, said a Saudi official. According to him, the unilateral cease-fire will take effect this Thursday, April 9 at 9:00 GMT. Iranian-backed Houthi rebels did not immediately respond to the offer.

The coalition has expressed its commitment to respecting the two-week ceasefire, while reserving the right to defend itself in the event of an attack, said the Saudi official. The ceasefire can be extended if the Houthis respond " positively " to the coalition's move, he added.

The war in Yemen pits local adversaries, supported by rival regional powers. The government recognized by the international community, supported since 2015 by a military coalition led by Saudi Arabia, is fighting against the Houthis.

No case of Covid-19 reported in Yemen yet

Faced with the worst humanitarian crisis in the world, Yemen, the poorest country on the Arabian Peninsula, has so far registered no cases of infection with Covid-19 disease. But humanitarian organizations fear a catastrophe if the country were affected by the new coronavirus. With a bloodless health system and a shortage of drinking water, Yemen has already been hit by epidemics such as dengue or cholera.

The war has left tens of thousands of people dead, mostly civilians, according to various NGOs, and about 24 million Yemenis, more than two-thirds of the population, are in need of humanitarian aid, according to the United Nations.

(With AFP)

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  • Yemen
  • Coronavirus
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Health and Medicine

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