DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Yemen’s Houthi rebels have taken a significant step by unilaterally releasing 153 detained individuals on Saturday, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). This move comes amid recent efforts to reduce tensions following the ceasefire observed in the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza.
Previous instances of prisoner releases have been interpreted as potential catalysts for discussions aimed at conclusively ending the ongoing civil war in Yemen, which has persisted since the Houthis wrested control of Sanaa, the country’s capital, in 2014. However, this latest release follows the rebels’ detention of seven Yemeni staff members from the United Nations, inciting frustration from the organization.
The ICRC reported that the individuals previously released had undergone medical assessments and had been visited by their officials in Sanaa before their liberation. The Houthis had hinted at the upcoming release of prisoners as early as Friday night.
“We view this unilateral release as a positive stride toward revitalizing negotiations,” the ICRC stated. Christine Cipolla, the head of the organization’s delegation in Yemen, expressed that this operation has brought much-needed relief and happiness to families who have been anxious about their loved ones’ return. She added her hope that this recent development would pave the way for more reunifications in the future.
Abdul Qader al-Murtada, who leads the Houthis’ Committee for Prisoners’ Affairs, stated through Houthi media that those who were freed were “humanitarian cases,” including the ill, wounded, and elderly. He emphasized that the aim of this initiative is to foster trust and begin a new phase of serious negotiations.
The Red Cross has previously facilitated other significant prisoner exchanges, encompassing events where around 1,000 prisoners were swapped in 2020 and over 800 detainees exchanged in 2023, with another release noted in 2024.
Earlier this week, the Houthis declared a reduction in their attacks on maritime vessels within the Red Sea corridor and released the crew of the Galaxy Leader, a ship they had commandeered in November 2023, coinciding with the implementation of the Gaza ceasefire.
The prolonged conflict in Yemen has resulted in over 150,000 fatalities, including among both combatants and civilians, and has triggered a humanitarian catastrophe, leading to further tens of thousands of deaths. While the Houthis’ maritime assaults during the Israel-Hamas war have drawn focus away from the challenges they face domestically, they have also suffered casualties from ongoing U.S.-led airstrikes targeting their positions.
Yemen’s economy remains in a state of collapse, compelling the Houthis and other groups involved in the conflict to pursue potentially life-saving negotiations to conclude the war. A largely sustained de facto ceasefire has prevailed in recent years, even amid the Houthis’ attacks associated with the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.
Despite this, the rebels have recently engaged in operations resulting in the detention of the seven U.N. workers, along with others. The Houthis have a history of detaining U.N. personnel and associates tied to the now-closed U.S. Embassy in Sanaa, as well as members of civil society and aid organizations.
Following these detentions, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres issued an urgent call for the immediate and unconditional release of the seven detained workers, as well as all other U.N. staff members held by the Houthis, some of whom have been in captivity since 2021. He cautioned that the ongoing targeting of U.N. personnel substantially hinders their ability to provide critical assistance to the millions in need throughout Yemen.
The U.N. has currently ceased its operations in Yemen, which are crucial for delivering food, medicine, and other aid to the struggling population.
Separately, discussions have arisen regarding U.S. President Trump’s decision to reinstate a terrorism designation against the Houthis that had been lifted by President Biden. This action may lead to heightened tensions with the rebel group. Analysts have suggested a possible link between the recent U.N. detentions and this development, although the Houthis have not provided a response. The group has been showcasing individuals on media channels they control, portraying them as working in collaboration with foreign intelligence entities or Israeli officials.
The U.S. State Department condemned the arrest of the U.N. staff members, stating that it reflects the Houthis’ insincerity regarding their claims for de-escalation and undermines their assertions of representing the Yemeni people’s interests.