Yemen’s Iranian-aligned Houthi rebels on Saturday released 153 war detainees in the militia-controlled capital Sana’a, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
“This operation has brought much-needed relief and joy to families who have been anxiously waiting for the return of their loved ones,” the ICRC said in a statement.
The unilateral release was supported by an ICRC team, the humanitarian organization said, as a years-long conflict in impoverished Yemen, pitting the Houthis against a Saudi-backed government, has recently abated.
“We hope that today’s release will lead to many more moments like this,” said Christine Cipolla, the ICRC head of delegation in Yemen.
On Friday, the Houthis said they would unilaterally release dozens of war prisoners on Saturday without giving specific figures.
Yemen has been locked in a devastating conflict between the government and the Houthis since late 2014.
In 2015, Saudi Arabia launched a military coalition to support government forces when the Houthis advanced towards the government’s temporary seat in Aden.
In 2023, Saudi Arabia and its regional rival Iran agreed in a China-brokered deal to restore their ties after a rupture of seven years, raising hopes for an end to Yemen’s conflict.
The United Nations considers Yemen’s conflict a humanitarian disaster that has pushed the country to the brink of famine.
The war has taken a heavy toll on infrastructure in the country.
