Sanaa:Yemen's Houthi group has released 159 detainees in the capital city of Sanaa, as confirmed by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

According to Anadolu Agency – English, the ICRC stated that the release was a unilateral decision by authorities in Sanaa, with support from the organization. The ICRC's role included interviewing the detainees before their release, informing their families, and providing assistance for their return home. Medical teams also assessed the detainees' health and arranged additional travel support where needed.

The release was undertaken by the Houthi-affiliated National Committee for Prisoners Affairs and was not part of the Stockholm Agreement, reached in December 2018 under UN auspices. The ICRC emphasized that it was not involved in deciding who would be released or the number of detainees.

The Houthis explained that the detainees were individuals who surrendered voluntarily without engaging in combat during recent clashes. They were released under an amnesty granted by Mahdi al-Mashat, head of the Houthis' Supreme Political Council, with local authorities tasked with facilitating their return to their families.

This development occurs amid ongoing conflicts between the Houthis and forces loyal to Yemen's internationally recognized government, which is supported by a Saudi-led coalition. The Houthis have maintained control over Sanaa and significant regions in northern and western Yemen since 2014, while the Saudi-led coalition became involved in 2015 to support the government.