The Houthi rebels in Yemen, backed by Iran, released more than 100 war prisoners on Sunday, as reported by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
This significant unilateral release occurred in the Houthi-controlled capital of Sanaa and involved 113 detainees, many of whom had been regularly visited and assisted by the ICRC during their detention.
The release follows a substantial prisoner exchange last April, where more than 800 prisoners were freed by the warring parties in Yemen.
Daphnee Maret, the ICRC’s head of delegation in Yemen, expressed hope that this latest development would lead to further releases, providing relief to families looking forward to reunifying with their loved ones.
One of the released detainees, who suffered from health issues, was transported via ambulance to his hometown within Yemen, though further details were not provided.
According to Abdul-Qader al-Murtaza, a Houthi official responsible for prisoner exchange talks, the release was initially delayed by a day due to logistical reasons. This gesture is seen as a potential step towards peace and resolution in the ongoing conflict that has deeply affected Yemen.
