Yemen's Houthi rebels have unilataraly released 153 war detainees, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), reports AP.
This action, announced on Saturday, is part of several recent efforts to ease tensions following the ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza.
Yemen's Houthi rebels release crew of commercial vessel seized in Red Sea in November 2023
Earlier prisoner releases were seen as a step towards negotiations aimed at ending Yemen’s decade-long war, which started when the Houthis took over the capital, Sanaa, in 2014. However, this release coincides with the Houthis’ detention of seven Yemeni U.N. workers, prompting condemnation from the U.N.
The detainees, who had previously been visited and assisted by Red Cross staff in Sanaa, underwent medical checks before their release. The ICRC welcomed the move, calling it a positive step towards reviving talks. Christine Cipolla, the ICRC’s head of delegation in Yemen, noted that the release brought relief to families awaiting their loved ones and expressed hope for similar initiatives in the future.
Abdul Qader al-Murtada, head of the Houthis' Committee for Prisoners’ Affairs, stated that those released included individuals who were sick, wounded, or elderly, describing the move as a trust-building measure to establish serious and honest relations.
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The Red Cross has previously overseen major prisoner exchanges, including a 1,000-prisoner swap in 2020, an 800-prisoner exchange in 2023, and another release in 2024. Earlier this week, the Houthis had pledged to reduce attacks on Red Sea shipping and released the crew of a ship seized in November 2023.
The Yemeni conflict has caused over 150,000 deaths and created one of the worst humanitarian crises globally. While the Houthis have drawn attention to regional issues with shipping attacks during the Israel-Hamas war, they have also faced pressure from U.S.-led and Israeli strikes. Simultaneously, Yemen’s faltering economy has increased pressure for a negotiated peace.
Despite a largely holding ceasefire, the Houthis have detained U.N. workers and others associated with international organisations. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres has demanded the immediate release of detained U.N. staff, warning that such actions hinder aid efforts in Yemen.
The U.N.’s work in Yemen, which delivers vital aid, has been suspended. Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump’s move to reinstate a terrorism designation for the Houthis, which had been revoked by President Joe Biden, adds further complexity.
Analysts suggest the recent detentions may be linked to this decision, though the Houthis have not officially commented. The group has been airing televised claims about individuals they accuse of collaborating with Western intelligence or Israel.