Yemen Cease-Fire Comes Into Force

Shi’ite Huthi rebels in Yemen and the Saudi-led coalition supporting government forces say they will respect a UN-backed cease-fire that took effect at midnight on April 10.

In a statement, the coalition said it would respect the truce at the demand of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, but "reserves the right to respond" to any attacks.

A spokesman for the Iranian-backed Hutis who are trying to overthrow the government said the rebels would also respond to any attacks.

More than 6,000 people have been killed in more than a year of fighting between the two sides.

UN-sponsored talks on ending the conflict are due to begin in Kuwait on April 18.

Previous negotiations have failed to make progress and a truce in December was abandoned after repeated violations.

The Huthis seized much of Yemen in 2014 including the capital, Sanaa.

Based on reporting by AFP and Reuters