Yemen’s Houthi rebels release 153 prisoners of war

According to the non-governmental organization and the rebel group, the Houthis in Yemen have unilaterally released 153 war prisoners to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

The “conflict-related detainees” were released in the capital, Sanaa on Saturday, and had received regular visits by the ICRC as part of detention work to ensure humane treatment of war-related prisoners, according to the organisation.

The prisoners’ identities were not made public.

Families who have been anxiously awaiting the return of their loved ones have benefited greatly from this operation. Many other families are awaiting their reunion, as we are aware. We hope that today’s release will lead to many more moments like this” said Christine Cipolla, the ICRC’s head of delegation in Yemen.

Abdul Qader al-Murtada, the head of the Houthis ‘ Committee for Prisoners ‘ Affairs, said in a statement carried by Houthi-affiliated media that those released were “humanitarian cases” that included the sick, wounded and the elderly.

According to al-Murtada, “the aim of the initiative is to foster trust and launch a new era of serious and honest dealing.”

The ICRC welcomed the move as “another positive step towards reviving negotiations” under a framework agreed during the country’s civil war, which raged for years between the Houthis and a Saudi Arabia-led-coalition.

The war left more than 150, 000 people killed and created one of the world’s worst humanitarian disasters that is still continuing, with more than 18 million people across Yemen requiring assistance.

The Houthis continue to hold personnel employed by the UN in anticipation of the releases on Saturday.

Seven UN staff members were arrested on Friday, according to the organisation, which called for their immediate release.

After the arrests, the UN also forbids all travelers to Houthis’ held areas until further notice.

In June, 11 additional UN employees were detained, and the Human Rights Office was taken in August.