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Yemen Rivals Agree to Swap More Than 1,600 Prisoners in U.N.-Backed Deal

The U.N.-brokered deal opens a narrow path for further talks on Yemen's wider peace process.

Overview

  • The internationally recognised government and the Houthi movement signed the exchange in Amman on Thursday after 14 weeks of U.N.-facilitated negotiations.
  • Under the terms, the Houthis will free 580 people, including seven Saudis and 20 Sudanese, while the government will release 1,100 Houthi-affiliated detainees.
  • The International Committee of the Red Cross will verify identities and handle repatriation logistics, though the parties have not announced when transfers will start.
  • Government negotiator Yahya Kazman said the list includes coalition personnel, security forces, fighters, politicians and journalists who have been held by the Houthis.
  • U.N. envoy Hans Grundberg called it the largest release of conflict-related detainees of the war, building on Oman talks in December 2025 and a 2023 swap, with both sides also planning further releases and detention visits.