NYN | News
A local mediation has announced significant progress in negotiations between the Sana’a government and the internationally recognized government, marking a major step toward a final agreement to reopen the main road connecting the governorates of Taiz, Lahj, and Aden. This road, known as the “Kersh–Al-Raheeda” route, has been closed for nearly a decade due to the ongoing conflict in Yemen.
In April 2015, coalition airstrikes destroyed the Aqban Bridge, which linked Taiz and Lahj and served as one of the most critical crossings for vehicles and trucks.
The closure of this strategic route led to severe humanitarian suffering, particularly for travelers and truck drivers transporting goods between northern and southern governorates. The disruption caused increased transportation costs, hindered trade, and made it difficult for families to move between affected regions.
Observers consider this progress a “major breakthrough” in one of the most complex and long-standing issues between the Yemeni parties. It is also seen as a positive sign that Yemeni disputes can potentially be resolved without foreign intervention or reliance on coalition or international initiatives.
Many hope that — if finalized — this agreement could pave the way for a broader settlement to the conflict in Yemen, especially with ongoing local and international efforts to end the war and reach sustainable political solutions.
The “Kersh–Al-Raheeda” road is regarded as a vital artery linking northern and southern Yemen. Its closure has significantly worsened the economic and humanitarian challenges in what remains one of the world’s most complex humanitarian crises.
