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Sporadic fighting strains fragile Yemen truce
 Scattered clashes between rebels and pro-government forces undermined a fragile ceasefire in Yemen on Thursday as global pressure intensified for a lasting truce in a country where millions are homeless and hungry. The ceasefire, for an initial period of three days,
Coalition spokesman Major General Ahmed Assiri told Al Ekhbariya state television that there had been "a certain number of violations which we are going to prove". If they continue, he said, the coalition "will take appropriate measures". Shortly after the truce began, the coalition said it "will abide by the ceasefire", which aims for "distribution of the greatest possible humanitarian and medical assistance" to Yemen's people, especially the besieged city of Taez. It said it will continue an air and maritime embargo, to prevent weapons shipments to the rebels, and will maintain airborne reconnaissance. The rebels' military spokesman, General Sharaf Lokman, said his forces will respect the ceasefire as long as "the enemy" also abides by it on land, sea and air. However, he urged his fighters to be ready to retaliate against "all aggression". A spokesman for pro-government forces also declared "respect for the truce" but similarly reserved the right of reply to violations. Posted by: Steve White 2016-10-21 |
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