The identities of the detainees were not disclosed.
The Houthis in Yemen have unilaterally released 153 prisoners to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the NGO and rebel group confirmed.
The “conflict-related detainees” were released in the capital Sanaa on Saturday, according to the organization, and the ICRC as part of its detention work to ensure the humane treatment of war-related prisoners. There were regular visits by
The identities of the detainees were not disclosed.
He said that this operation has brought much needed relief and happiness to the families who are anxiously waiting for the return of their loved ones. We know that many other families are also waiting for their chance to be reunited. We hope today’s release will lead to many more such moments. ” said Christine Cipolla, head of the ICRC delegation in Yemen.
In a statement carried by Houthi-affiliated media, the head of the Committee on Prisoners’ Affairs, Abdelkader al-Murtada, said the people released were “humanitarian cases” including the sick, wounded and elderly.
“The aim of this move is to build trust and establish a new phase of serious and honest business,” Al Martada was quoted as saying.
The ICRC welcomed the move as “another positive step towards resuming dialogue” under the framework during the country’s civil war, which has ended years of fighting between the Houthis and the Saudi-led coalition. What did
The war has killed more than 1.5 million people and created one of the world’s worst humanitarian disasters, which is still ongoing, with more than 18 million Yemenis in need of aid.
Saturday’s release came as the Houthis continued to hold officials working with the United Nations.
According to the organization, seven UN staff members were arrested on Friday, demanding their immediate release.
The United Nations also suspended all travel to Houthi-held areas following the arrests until further notice.
Another UN staffer was arrested last June, following the seizure of the human rights office in the Yemeni capital in August.
The Red Cross has previously assisted in prisoner releases, with over 1,000 prisoners being exchanged in 2020. In another exchange, about 800 detainees were released in 2023, with more than 100 freed last May.
