Following weeks of violence southern secessionists in the restive province of al-Dhaleh agreed to a truce with the authorities against an exchange of prisoners. Such a breakthrough comes at a time when a UN delegation is set to visit the area as to attest of the humanitarian situation and make recommendations.
Due to aggravated unrest, the authorities were forced on March 6 to postpone the visit, alleging matters of security. Ever since, Sana’a has pushed for a satisfactory resolution, hoping to regain control over the province before any further slippage.
Local officials confirmed on Thursday that 30 soldiers, formerly in the custody of secessionists were released back to the state in exchange for 37 of their own militants.
For over three months, al-Dhaleh has been paralyzed by violence, with southern militants and members of the security forces having come to clash on a regular basis. "Both parties agreed to implement a truce and normalisation measures" AFP quoted a local dignitary as saying on Thursday.
It all started on December 27, when the armed forces allegedly mistakenly shelled a Haraki funeral tent.
As part of the truce, Haraki militants (southern secessionist movement) have agreed to dismantle all barricades and the military committed to clear all checkpoints, as to allow civilian life to resume as normal.
Earlier this month, the UN estimated that 45,000 people in al-Dhaleh had been directly affected by the unrest, stressing the province was now considered in a state of great humanitarian stress.