Airstrikes Against Houthis in Yemen Resumed

With the end of the humanitarian ceasefire in Yemen, the Saudi-led coalition has resumed airstrikes in the city of Aden against Houthi rebels. The midnight and early morning attacks on May 17 occurred while Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, the UN representative in Yemen, had called for an extension of the ceasefire. AFP reports that aid groups have echoed his request. Reuters, citing witnesses, reports explosions heard near the strategic southern city of Aden's airport and several other locations in the city. Late on Sunday, an army spokesperson, part of which is allied with the Houthis, welcomed the UN representative's call for a ceasefire extension. A news agency controlled by the rebels in Yemen quoted General Sharaf Luqman, stating that they welcome the ceasefire extension and the need for humanitarian assistance to citizens. Reuters reports that aid groups do not consider a five-day ceasefire sufficient to deliver adequate aid to a country of 25 million people. On the other hand, Saudi Arabia has stated that the extension of the ceasefire depends on how the Houthis and their allies adapt to its conditions. Saudi Arabia has accused the Houthis of violating the ceasefire but has stated that it will show 'restraint' in its attacks to ensure aid reaches the people. The Houthis have refused to participate in political negotiations in Riyadh, attended by nearly 400 representatives, including Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi, the ousted president who has sought refuge in Saudi Arabia. The latest crisis in Yemen began with the Houthis' overthrow of Hadi's government and their supporters, including among military personnel loyal to former president Ali Abdullah Saleh, followed by airstrikes from the Saudi-led coalition. These attacks began in April and have continued even as the Houthis have made advances in some areas despite the bombings. In this context, the Iranian ship 'Rescue' has entered the Gulf of Aden. At least 10 people were killed in Saturday night's clashes in the city of Taiz. The Riyadh meeting to resolve the Yemen crisis began without a representative from the Houthis.