Saudi Arabia offers 5- day cease- fire in Yemen conflict

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Saudi Arabia offered Thursday to suspend attacks in Yemen during a five- day “humanitarian pause” after appeals from Secretary of State John Kerry to allow greater aid into the warbattered nation.

But it was not clear when the break in the conflict could start. It also appeared to hinge on whether rebel groups in Yemen agree to the conditions of the cease- fire — which Saudi official say could be extended if tensions ease.

The Saudi pledge was a boost for Kerry’s efforts to expand help for refugees and others suffering in Yemen, where a Saudiled coalition began air strikes in late March after rebels ousted the country’s Western- allied president.

Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al- Jubeir, speaking at a news conference with Kerry, called on the Yemen insurgents to halt their ground operations during the proposed five- day halt.

Al- Jubeir also held out prospects for a longer lull: saying the cease- fire could be extended rebels agree to abide by the “pause” and not use the halt in airstrikes to gain new territory.

“There will be a ceasefire everywhere, or there will be a cease- fire nowhere,” he said.

The United Nations and other relief agencies estimate more than half of Yemen’s people have either been driven from their homes by fighting or face shortages of water, medicine and other vital supplies.

Yemen has endured years of conflict, including U. S. drone strikes against an al Qaeda’s branch. But the country’s humanitarian crisis sharply escalated in the showdown between a Saudi- led coalition and rebels known as Houthis.

Houthi fighters and their allies have control of large areas of Yemen, including the capital Sanaa. Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Arab nations claim the rebels are backed by Shiite power Iran, their chief regional rival. Iran denies any direct links to the rebels, but has denounced the Saudi- led air strikes.

Kerry underscored that the cease- fire is now up to the Houthis.