Un Backed Yemen Ceasefire

Houthi rebels backed by Iranians created havoc in Yemen, which cost lives of 6,000 people and 2m displaced in more than a year of fighting between the two sides.

The Saudi-led coalition supporting government forces in Yemen has said it will respect a UN-backed ceasefire which came into force on Monday.

Iranian-backed Houthi rebels who are trying to overthrow the government have said they will also respect the truce.

Negotiations on ending the conflict are due to be held later this month in Kuwait.

The UN special envoy to Yemen, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, welcomed the ceasefire, calling it “critical, urgent and much needed”.

“Yemen cannot afford the loss of more lives,” Mr Ahmed added.

He said the agreement for cessation of hostilities included commitments to unhindered access for humanitarian supplies and personnel to all parts of the country.