The picture taken on March 12, 2021 shows soldiers of the Yemeni government marching forward as they are launching an offensive against the Houthi rebels in Abs district, Hajjah Province, north Yemen.(Photo: Xinhua)

The Saudi-led coalition backing the Yemeni government against Houthi rebels in Yemen's conflict Tuesday announced a cease-fire from Wednesday and peace talks during the Islamic month of Ramadan starting April.

"The coalition hereby announces the cessation of military operations in Yemen beginning at 6 am (0300 GMT) Wednesday, March 30, 2022," it said in a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency.

This "coincides with the launch of Yemeni-Yemeni consultations with the aim of creating the appropriate conditions for their success and creating a positive environment during the holy month of Ramadan for peace making in Yemen," it added.

Ramadan is to start in the first days of April.

The rebels have shunned the meeting in Riyadh from Wednesday that is hosted by the Gulf Cooperation Council and involves the Yemeni government and US and UN envoys to Yemen. The Houthis say they won't travel to enemy territory for talks.

UN envoy Hans Grundberg earlier on Tuesday evening said on Twitter: "I'm very grateful for the unanimous support expressed for UN efforts on immediate de-escalation and a political settlement of the conflict."

The coalition's announcement comes after an official told AFP that Saudi Arabia was waiting for "serious steps" from Yemen's rebels on a potential prisoner swap before responding to their offer of a cease-fire.

AFP