Yemen Truce Extension Applauded Amid Demands That US End Support for Saudi-Led War

Anti-war campaigners on Tuesday applauded news that the United Nations-brokered truce in Yemen had been extended for another two months and called on U.S. lawmakers to help ensure more permanent peace by passing the Yemen War Powers Resolution.

Both the Saudi-led military coalition, which receives backing from the U.S. government, and the Houthis have been accused of violating the four-month ceasefire, but anti-war groups and civilians report that access to fuel and freedom of movement since the United Nations brokered the truce in April have helped people return to some semblance of normalcy, as reports of civilian casualties have dropped.

U.N. Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg said as he announced the truce extension that he had shared a proposal with both sides of the conflict for an “expanded truce proposal” for more long-lasting peace.

An expanded truce should allow for “the full number and regularity of flights between the agreed destinations and Sana’a International Airport and the number of fuel ships entering Hudaydah port,” said Grundberg. “It is also important to make progress on opening roads in Taiz and other governorates to facilitate the freedom of movement of millions of Yemeni women, men and children, and of goods.”

“It is crucial that Congress sends a strong message that the United States will no longer be party to offensive operations conducted by the Saudi-UAE-led coalition, whether an agreement is reached or not, by passing the Yemen War Powers Resolution as soon as possible,” said Cavan Kharrazian, progressive foreign policy campaigner for Demand Progress.

Last month, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) introduced a joint resolution to end U.S. involvement in the Saudi-led war. The House’s version of the resolution was introduced in June.

Originally published at Commondreams.org.