Yemen Government and Houthis Agree to Largest Prisoner Swap of Over 1,600 Detainees

The internationally recognized government of Yemen and the Houthi group have signed a United Nations-backed agreement in Jordan to exchange more than 1,600 prisoners, marking the largest such swap since the civil war began in 2014. Under the deal, the Houthis will release 580 detainees, including Saudi and Sudanese nationals, while the government will free 1,100 Houthi prisoners. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) will facilitate the complex humanitarian operation as a neutral intermediary. This agreement follows over three months of negotiations in Amman, building on previous consultations in Muscat. Both sides described the deal as a historic accomplishment and a crucial step toward alleviating the suffering of detainees and their families. The accord also includes provisions for mutual visits to detention facilities and further talks on additional releases. Officials from both factions emphasized that prisoner release remains a top priority, with the Houthis calling for continued international support to ensure implementation. The ICRC welcomed the development, noting it brings families closer to reunification after years of conflict.