Sanaa, May 12 (RHC)-- In Yemen, Saudi-led airstrikes pounded the capital Sanaa and the southern port of Aden, targeting Shiite Houthi rebels, hours before today’s ceasefire was due to take effect.

The Saudi government offered the five-day truce to allow delivery of humanitarian aid amid the mounting civilian toll caused by its airstrikes and blockade. On Monday, Houthi rebels said they had shot down a Moroccan fighter jet participating in the Saudi-led campaign.

Meanwhile, both the Saudi and U.S. governments rushed to reject perceptions of a rift following the announcement Saudi King Salman will not attend U.S. President Obama’s summit of Gulf nations this week. In what is seen as a message of protest over Iranian nuclear talks, Saudi Arabia will instead send lower-level officials. White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest denied the move was a snub.