On April 14, 2020, sources familiar with the discussions, informed that Saudi Arabia has resumed indirect talks with Yemen’s Houthi movement to cement a faltering ceasefire after the World Health Organisation warned of a pending explosion of Covid-19 cases in the war-torn country.

The ceasefire was meant to take effect on 9 April 2020, a day before Yemen recorded its first infection of the virus.

Houthis have yet to accept the nationwide truce prompted by the pandemic and announced by the Saudi-led coalition last week.

The Houthis claimed on 10 April to have downed a Saudi spy plane that was still operating in Yemen, showing Saudi Arabia continued interference during this temporary stop of violence.

Days before the ceasefire, Saudi Arabia continued pounding Yemen with airstrikes.

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Striking a ceasefire gives Saudi Arabia the moral high ground with the international community, particularly as its five-year-long intervention in Yemen has damaged its reputation.

Saudi Arabia knows very well that the Houthis will likely resume their war efforts to establish control in these areas, given past trends, which could justify further Saudi intervention.

Saudi Arabia, which came under intense Western scrutiny after the 2018 murder of Saudi journalist Jamal KHASHOGGI, has been trying to exit a costly and unpopular war that has been in military stalemate for years.

The United Arab Emirates, its key coalition partner last year scaled down its military presence in Yemen, leaving Saudi Arabia to lead the campaign.

Aid groups say a coronavirus outbreak could be catastrophic for Yemen’s health system and widespread hunger and disease after five years of war.

This article was edited using the data from the Herald Tribune, Apnews, and Huffpost.

Source of the photo: Gisreportsonline.com.