The government has out of compassion ordered a five-day truce in Yemen in what is a humane gesture and one that will enable much needed aid to be delivered to the beleaguered civilian population.
While there is no doubt that this corridor is needed and the agony of the population is finding an echo around the world, the risk is inherent in the silencing of the guns even if it is temporary.
If anyone takes it as a sign of weakness rather than pure humanitarianism, they should be swiftly disenchanted of this idea.
It is also not an opportunity to exploit by breaking the truce or attempting to consolidate strategic positions. It is with the security of its troops in mind and to ensure their safety while maintaining the highest level of alert that the Saudi Arabian command has made it very clear not just to the Daesh but also to the world that this safety of its troops and its people is a non-negotiable instrument. Let there be no doubt that any incursion during these five days will be met with adequate retaliation. With so many factions there is always the possibility of some renegade breakaways failing to appreciate the texture of the truce and seeing in a chance to spark violence.
It is for these reasons that vigilance is mandated and a similar alert should also prevail in Saudi Arabia especially in the border areas. This is only precautionary and logical and the authorities have done the right thing in making their intent unequivocal and immediate. Respect the dictate and spirit behind the truce and succour will be made available. Think of it as chance to create havoc and the truce will be set aside
In the meantime, the aid agencies must ensure that medicines, food and other essentials are equitably distributed and some semblance of a working administrative system brought back to Yemen. Special attention to the plight of children and the poorer sections of society should be a priority. One understands that five days is a limited period and only so much can be done but if it can be a step toward bringing an end to the confrontation one can only hope that the militants see that the destruction of a country does not make sense and there is no value on the “last man standing” concept.
