Saudi Arabia Releases Seven Houthi Prisoners in Possible Exchange, Reports Reuters

Saudi Arabia has released seven prisoners belonging to Yemen’s Houthi movement, who were transported to the Houthi-controlled capital, Sanaa, by the Red Cross on Wednesday. This action follows the return of a Saudi prisoner who had been freed by the Houthis and arrived in Riyadh the day prior.

This exchange appears to be part of ongoing discussions between Yemen’s conflicting factions, who are working on the details of a broader prisoner exchange agreement made last month. This agreement was a confidence-building effort during the first significant peace talks aimed at ending the nearly four-year-old conflict.

The U.N. special envoy to Yemen, Martin Griffiths, expressed his support for the release, indicating hope that it would accelerate the completion of the larger prisoner swap. His office conveyed encouragement regarding the positive developments from both parties.

The conflict involves the Iran-aligned Houthis, who control Sanaa and other populous areas, fighting against a government currently based in Aden, backed by Arab state forces.

The International Committee of the Red Cross, which facilitated the transport of the released prisoners, stated it acted as a neutral intermediary and was not involved in the negotiations regarding their release. Yahia Alibi, head of the ICRC Regional delegation in Kuwait, expressed satisfaction at the return of these individuals and reiterated the organization’s readiness to assist in facilitating the return of more prisoners affected by the conflict.

The United Nations continues to advocate for the warring parties to execute the agreed-upon prisoner exchange and to establish a ceasefire in Hodeidah, aiming to create conditions conducive to a second round of peace discussions in a conflict that has claimed tens of thousands of lives.