Fuel tanker arrives in Yemen on first full day of ceasefire

This picture shows the damage following overnight airstrikes by the Saudi-led coalition, targeting the Huthi rebel-held Yemeni capital Sanaa, March 26, 2022. (MOHAMMED HUWAIS / AFP)
This picture shows the damage following overnight airstrikes by the Saudi-led coalition, targeting the Huthi rebel-held Yemeni capital Sanaa, March 26, 2022. (MOHAMMED HUWAIS / AFP)

A tanker carrying badly needed fuel arrives in Yemen’s blockaded port of Hodeida, as a ceasefire meant to stop the fighting in the war-torn country for two months enters its first full day.

The truce agreement, which took effect last night, allows for shipments of fuel to arrive in Hodeida and for passenger flights to resume from the airport in the capital of Sanaa. Both Hodeida and Sanaa are held by the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels.

The agreement comes after a significant escalation in hostilities in recent weeks that saw the Houthis claim several attacks across the country’s borders, targeting the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.

Essam al-Motwakel, spokesman for the Houthi-run oil corporation, says the Saudi-led coalition allowed the vessel — carrying mazut, a low-quality fuel oil — into the port at Hodeida. The port handles about 70% of Yemen’s commercial and humanitarian imports.

He calls on UN envoy Hans Grundberg, to work with the coalition and accelerate the arrival of other vessels to ease a longtime fuel crisis in Houthi-held areas.

Most Popular
If you’d like to comment, join
The Times of Israel Community.
Join The Times of Israel Community
Commenting is available for paying members of The Times of Israel Community only. Please join our Community to comment and enjoy other Community benefits.
Please use the following structure: example@domain.com
Confirm Mail
Thank you! Now check your email
You are now a member of The Times of Israel Community! We sent you an email with a login link to . Once you're set up, you can start enjoying Community benefits and commenting.