The Peace Process continues in Yemen, albeit slowly and with regular challenges. The prisoner exchange pillar of the Stockholm peace deal made some minor progress in Yemen this week. It was reported that the group Ansar Allah released eight detainees, including journalist Ahmed Houthan, in a prisoner exchange deal with Government forces in Sanaa on Friday, as well as agreeing to release several hundred more.
Following Ansar Allah's offer to halt cross border attacks if Saudi Arabia agrees to a ceasefire; an uptick in airstrikes were noted - including two large strikes in Amran and Ad Dhale. Towards the end of last week, Saudi Arabia noted that they would agree to a partial ceasefire in four governorates (one of which would be Sana’a) if Ansar Allah showed its commitment to peace. The offer was reportedly declined by the Ansar Allah political leadership stating that the ceasefire would have to be all encompassing.
Tensions remain high in the region following the attack on Aramco which has been blamed on Iran. Iran has called for a Gulf Peace Initiative and has called for the US to leave the region, stating that it would undermine the peace in the region.
After a lull in the previous week, hostilities in the west of Yemen resumed to the usual intensity despite the presence of UN observers. The first airstrikes took place near Hodeida city in months, reportedly targeting sea mines and booby trapped vessels. The implementation of Stockholm's specific measures on Hodeida remain largely stuck with either party advancing their aspects of the agreement.
Commercial fuel ships continue to face difficulties docking in Yemen. This is having a painful impact on fuel prices, with the tripling of the cost of fuel last week alone. In the last couple of days, the Saudi Coalition allowed about 12 ships to dock, which may provide some temporary relief. Civilians continue to pay the most significant price for the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in Yemen with human security decreasing daily and opportunities for development a distant hope.
Humanitarian Advisors call on all parties to the conflict to immediately, and without preconditions, implement the Stockholm peace deal. Similarly, Humanitarian Advisors calls on the Saudi coalition to immediately and without reservation allow freedom of navigation by civilian vessels transporting humanitarian and essential civilian goods.
1 thought on “What is the current situation in Yemen?”