20 Sep 2009

Fighting continues despite ceasefire in Yemen

1:35 pm on 20 September 2009

Fighting in Yemen is reported to be continuing despite a conditional ceasefire called by the government in its conflict with northern rebels.

The government had called the ceasefire to coincide with the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

The UN has appealed to both sides to allow humanitarian corridors to be opened so that aid can be delivered to civilians.

About 150,000 people have been displaced in the five-year conflict.

On Saturday, statements from both the military and the rebels accused the other side of continuing attacks in spite of the ceasefire.

Second collapse

The BBC reports it is the second recent ceasefire that appears to have quickly collapsed.

International concern about the conflict has intensified after witnesses said that more than 80 people were killed in a government air raid on a camp for displaced people on Wednesday.