Abdul Qader al-Murtada, the head of the Houthi prisoner affairs committee, announced in a statement on Friday that the Houthis will release 100 prisoners from government forces on Saturday.
The statement said, “Under the noble directives of the revolution leader, Mr. Abdul Malik Badreddin al-Houthi, we will carry out a unilateral humanitarian initiative tomorrow, Saturday, releasing over 100 prisoners from the other party.” The last time the Houthis released prisoners was in April 2023 when a swap took place, exchanging 250 Houthis for 70 members of the Yemeni government forces.
The Houthi movement, also known as Ansar Allah, is a significant force in Yemen, predominantly composed of Zaydi Shia Muslims from the north of the country. The group has been involved in the long-standing conflict in Yemen, which escalated significantly in 2014.
They have taken control of significant portions of the country, including the capital, Sanaa. The group’s actions have been part of the broader Yemeni Civil War, which has drawn in regional powers and has had a considerable impact on the region’s stability and security.
The Houthis have received political and military support from Iran, enhancing their capabilities in the ongoing conflict. Their control and influence over large areas, including major population centers, have made them a critical player in the region’s dynamics
