World

Yemen crisis: Fighting breaks new UN ceasefire

July 11, 2015 6:02 pm

A new UN-brokered humanitarian ceasefire in Yemen has been broken shortly after coming into force.

Residents say the Saudi-led coalition carried out air strikes in the capital Sanaa. Clashes have also been reported in the south-western city of Taiz.

The UN had earlier urged all sides to observe the six-day truce which started at midnight on Friday (21:00 GMT).

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More than 3,000 people have been killed since the coalition began air strikes in March to drive back Houthi rebels.

Aid agencies say a blockade on Yemen has worsened the humanitarian crisis after months of conflict. More than 80% of Yemen’s 25 million people now need some form of aid.

Despite the ceasefire, fighting resumed early hours on Saturday. Witnesses reported air raids on Sanaa, which is controlled by the Shia Zaidi rebels – or Houthis.