Saudi coalition declares ceasefire in Yemen

The Saudi-led coalition will temporarily cease military operations in Yemen today to mark the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Yemen, led by a Saudi coalition, has been embroiled in a brutal civil war against Houthi rebel groups that has caused one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world. Today’s ceasefire, which the Saudi coalition has unliterally declared, marks a potential step forward in negotiations between the two parties. Despite this, the Houthi rebels did not agree to the ceasefire.

Importantly, the Saudi coalition controls both the seas and the skies around Yemen. Today’s ceasefire will allow for some operations to resume at the port of Hodeidah and Sana’a International Airport.

The situation is incredibly fragile. Based on the escalation of recent strikes by Houthi rebels, the Houthis may take advantage of the situation to carry out further attacks. This would likely result in the Saudi coalition resuming strikes in retaliation. If the Houthis do respect the ceasefire, then opening up the port and the airport may allow for much-needed aid, specifically food, to be delivered to Yemen. For the coming months, the Houthi’s reaction to the ceasefire will likely decide whether or not the violence continues.