Yemen's Houthis release 153 prisoners with support from ICRC

There is no indication at this time if any UN staff were let go in the Saturday release.

 A person detained by the Houthis reacts as he waits for his release in Sanaa, Yemen January 25, 2025. (photo credit: KHALED ABDULLAH/REUTERS)
A person detained by the Houthis reacts as he waits for his release in Sanaa, Yemen January 25, 2025.
(photo credit: KHALED ABDULLAH/REUTERS)

Yemen's Houthis released 153 prisoners on Saturday with support from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the ICRC said in a statement.

The identities of the prisoners were not disclosed, but the ICRC said they had received regular visits by the organization in Yemen's capital, Sana'a.

 People detained by the Houthis ride a bus during their release in Sanaa, Yemen January 25, 2025.  (credit: KHALED ABDULLAH/REUTERS)
People detained by the Houthis ride a bus during their release in Sanaa, Yemen January 25, 2025. (credit: KHALED ABDULLAH/REUTERS)

Who was released?

They included older people and the wounded and were released for humanitarian reasons, the Houthis' Committee for Prisoners' Affairs said in a press conference.

It marked the second such release after one last year.

There was no immediate indication that any UN personnel were freed after the global body said on Friday that seven of its personnel had been seized. Last year, 11 UN staff members were seized.

The Iranian-backed Houthis have controlled most of Yemen, including Sana'a, since seizing power in 2014 and early 2015.