(VOVworld) – A Saudi-initiated humanitarian truce took effect in Yemen on Tuesday, hours after a military coalition conducted air strikes against Shiite Houthi rebels and their allies.

Displaced Yemeni children carry boxes of aid donated by UNICEF outside a shelter in Sirwah. (Photo: AFP/STR)

The Saudi-led coalition warned the Iran-backed rebels it stands ready to strike back at any violation of the truce. Asked whether the ceasefire began on schedule at 11:00 pm on May 12^th, coalition spokesman Brigadier General Ahmed al-Assiri said it had, and the coalition pledges to respect it. Assiri said the coalition will continue its “intelligence, reconnaissance, and surveillance” in case it has to respond.

Saudi Arabia announced on May 7^th that it would honor a five-day humanitarian ceasefire in Yemen to allow aid to reach civilians in the conflict-torn country.