A Saudi Arabian delegation is in Yemen’s capital Sana’a for talks with the Houthi rebel movement aimed at reaching a new and potentially permanent ceasefire.
A mediation team from Oman is also in Sana’a.
The capital has been controlled by the Houthis since they drove the Yemeni government out in 2015.
Soon after, war erupted between the Houthis and a Saudi-led coalition supporting the government.
It has continued ever since, leaving tens of thousands of Yemenis dead and some 80% of the population relying on aid.
No official confirmation has been made by the Saudi side yet, but Houthi outlets say that both the Saudi and Omani delegations are in Sana’a.
A leaked photo appears to show the Houthi leader Mohammed Ali al-Houthi shaking the hand of a Saudi official, whose face is obscured.
This has been greeted as another significant sign of the willingness of both sides to finally reach a deal that could end the war.
No named officials have commented, but there have been reports from various sources that an agreement could be signed before the end of the month. (BBC)