Houthis say they have agreed to reopen two roads around the city of Taiz, the group's Saba news agency reported on Thursday.

The group said it had submitted “notes” to the UN special envoy to Yemen, Hans Grundberg, confirming the decision to reopen the Saleh Road to Sanaa and roads between Lahej and Aden.

The UN special envoy's office could not immediately be reached to confirm the claim.

Saba news, quoting an unnamed military source, said the Houthis would reopen the two roads “immediately” in the “first phase” of an operation.

“After the first phase is complete, the committees will continue UN-sponsored talks to commence the reopening of the remaining roads, according to what is agreed upon,” the Houthis said.

A UN-brokered nationwide truce, which was renewed this month, stipulates that the Houthis would reopen roads around Taiz — which has been under a lengthy siege by the group.

-Agencies