In Yemen, the Houthi rebels have initiated the withdrawal from the port city of Hodeida. The port plays an important role in the supply of the population. It is the first step to implementing a ceasefire.
The Shiite Houthis in Yemen have claimed to have departed from the strategically important port of Hodaida. In addition, the retreat from the ports of Salif and Ras Issa had been initiated, said the head of the Supreme Revolutionary Council, Mohammed Ali al-Huthi.
A television station run by the Houthi rebels reported that UN observers oversaw the withdrawal. Eyewitnesses in Salif confirmed the beginning of the withdrawal to Reuters.
First step towards the implementation of the fire break
In December, the conflicting parties in Yemen had agreed to a ceasefire under United Nations mediation. After that, it is said in the vague wording, „local powers“ should take over the control on the ground, in particular to allow regular relief supplies to the civil war country.
The withdrawal of the Shiite Houthis from the three ports was the first step in the implementation of the ceasefire, the head of the UN surveillance mission, Michael Lollesgaard, said on Friday. According to the Huthis are committed to a complete restructuring of their units. The process should take three days. The implementation of the agreement was crucial to gain access to the country and save lives.
Central role in the supply of the population
According to the UN, ten million people in Yemen are at risk of starvation. Thousands of people have already died from malnutrition, epidemics and actually preventable diseases. Around 80 percent of the population urgently need help. Hodeida plays a central role in care. About 70 percent of imports and humanitarian aid go through the port.
Yemen is one of the poorest countries in the Arab world and has been suffering since 2014 from the conflict between Saudi-backed forces and Houthi rebels sponsored by Saudi arch-rival Iran. These hold for nearly five years, large parts of the North Yemen occupied.
