Omar Al-Diya'a, the leader of the "White Flags" community initiative that successfully pressured the Houthi group to reopen the Ma'rib-Bayda road, was honored with a vehicle by citizens in Ibb Governorate, central Yemen.

Al-Diya'a, in a Facebook post, seen by Barran Press, announced receiving a Toyota Hilux as a gift from citizens led by Sheikh Naji Al-Qurtahi. He expressed his gratitude to all those who contributed to the purchase, stating, "Let everyone know that the gifted vehicle is for all the sons of Yemen. It will be at the service of All Yemenis in all directions, and we will use it to serve you in all fields."

The initiative to honor Al-Diya'a began two days ago with activists, human rights defenders, and expatriates raising funds for a vehicle for the man who has been driving a heavy-duty truck between governorates for years to support his family.

On June 5th, the "Peace Initiative for Opening Roads" convoy reached Ma'rib, eastern Yemen, after successfully pressuring the Houthis to reopen the Ma'rib-Bayda road. The convoy's coordinator, Omar Mohammed Al-Diya'a, thanked the leadership of Ma'rib Governorate for their cooperation and swift response upon the convoy's arrival.

On June 9th, Ma'rib Governor and member of the Presidential Leadership Council, Major General Sultan Al-Arada, announced the reopening of the Ma'rib-Bayda-Sana'a road after completing the necessary arrangements.

The reopening of the Bayda Road followed a community initiative that responded to Al-Arada's call in February to open the Ma'rib-Nehm-Sana'a road, which the Houthis continue to refuse to open.

The Ma'rib-Bayda road was closed in 2021 following clashes between the Yemeni army and Houthi fighters in the southern districts of Ma'rib Governorate. The desert road between Ma'rib, Al-Jawf, Nehm, and Sana'a was used as an alternative to the Bayda route.

Meanwhile, the main and shortest road between Sana'a and Ma'rib (Ma'rib-Nehm-Sana'a) remains closed despite the local authorities unilaterally declaring its opening in February. The Houthis have refused to reciprocate.