The internationally recognized Yemeni government and Iran-backed Houthi movement agreed in Muscat to free 2,900 detainees in a deal overseen by the U.N. special envoy and the ICRC. The swap — the largest since the war began in 2014 — includes seven Saudis and 23 Sudanese among Yemeni detainees. U.N. and ICRC officials called the agreement a significant humanitarian step that could reunite families and help build confidence between the parties.
Yemen's Warring Parties Agree To Free 2,900 Detainees In Largest Swap Since 2014
This is a locator map for Yemen with its capital, Sanaa. (AP Photo)
Yemen’s internationally recognized government and the Iran-backed Houthi movement have reached an agreement to release 2,900 people detained during the country’s 11-year civil war, officials said. The deal — negotiated in Muscat, Oman — was signed under the supervision of the Office of the U.N. Special Envoy for Yemen and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
Details Of The Agreement
Saudi Ambassador Mohamed AlJabir said the arrangement was concluded with the supervision of U.N. and ICRC representatives and "will enable all detainees to return to their families." Houthi officials confirmed the list includes Yemeni detainees as well as foreign nationals. Abdelkader al-Murtada, head of the Houthi National Committee for Prisoners’ Affairs, and Houthi spokesman Mohamed Abdulsalam said the release covers Yemenis plus seven Saudi and 23 Sudanese nationals.
"I commend the efforts of the negotiation teams from both sides who succeeded in reaching an understanding and concluding this agreement, which addresses a humanitarian issue and strengthens efforts to bring calm and build confidence in Yemen," said Ambassador AlJabir.
Humanitarian Impact And Oversight
U.N. Special Envoy Hans Grundberg described the pact as a "positive and meaningful step" that he hopes will ease the suffering of detainees and their families across Yemen. The agreement follows a 12-day round of talks in Oman and was reported to be the 10th meeting aimed at enforcing commitments under the 2018 Stockholm Agreement, which calls for the release of conflict-related detainees.
"We are ready and determined to carry out the release, transfer and repatriation of detainees so that people separated from their families can be reunited in a safe and dignified manner," said Christine Cipolla, head of the ICRC delegation in Yemen.
The ICRC has previously acted as intermediary under the Stockholm framework, overseeing the release, transfer and repatriation of more than 800 prisoners in 2023 and over 1,000 detainees in October 2020. If implemented, officials say this will be the largest prisoner exchange between the Houthis and Yemen’s internationally recognized government since the conflict began in 2014.
Context
Yemen’s conflict began in 2014 when the Houthi movement seized Sanaa and much of the north, prompting the internationally recognized government to be displaced. The war has slowed at times but continued violence and blockades have contributed to one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises, with more than 150,000 people reported killed and millions in need of aid.
Next Steps: Authorities and the ICRC will coordinate the practical steps of release, transfer and repatriation. Timetables and exact logistics were not immediately published; international monitors have urged rapid and transparent implementation to reunite families and build confidence between the parties.
