Virus fears prompt halt to Saudi military operations in Yemen

Concerns about a potential outbreak in Yemen, where no cases have been reported so far, are partly behind a decision to call a halt to the military action there that has left tens of thousands died and spread hunger and disease, a Saudi-led coalition spokesman Colonel Turki al-Malki has said.

The coalition fighting Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement has said it will call a nationwide ceasefire in support of UN efforts to end the five-year war.

The move aims to facilitate talks sponsored by the UN’s special envoy, Martin Griffiths, for a permanent ceasefire. It will go into effect at midday on Thursday for two weeks and is open to extension, al-Malki has said.

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