Only days after President Abdo Rabbo Mansour Hadi confirmed a change in leadership at the interior ministry as to address Yemen’ security downward spiral, government officials at the ministry confirmed that a truce had been reached in the southern province of al-Dhale following months of heightened tensions and sporadic clashes.
A stronghold of al-Harak, (the southern secessionist movement) al-Dhale found itself sitting at the centre of a controversy when the military allegedly mistakenly targeted a funeral tent back in January, some two months ago. Ever since, secessionists have regularly clashed with either the security forces or the military, threatening not only to unravel Yemen institutional overall but lay waste all efforts to promote national reconciliation and dialogue over violence.
Major General Nasser told Anatolia news agency on Monday that following weeks of heightened tensions Haraki operatives had finally agreed to a truce. Hailing the efforts of the mediation committee the General explained that such a breakthrough had much to do with the pending arrival of a UN delegation in al-Dhale.
The UN announced last week it would send a delegation into the restive province as to investigate allegations of abuse and human rights violations.
He noted, “Armed clashes have led to many death on both sides [civilians and military] as well as led to the deterioration of the humanitarian situation, the province vital centres have been left paralyzed.”
Last Thursday, Yemeni officials confirmed that due to unrest and violence in the southern territories it had decided to postpone the arrival of the UN humanitarian mission. Local officials have noted they expect access will be now granted.