Amman, Jordan – The internationally recognized Yemeni government announced on Thursday that it had reached a new agreement with the Houthi group (Ansar Allah) to complete the largest prisoner exchange since the start of the conflict.
This came during an intensive round of talks held in the Jordanian capital, Amman, under UN auspices.
Details of the biggest deal
Yahya Mohammed Kazman, head of the government delegation on the prisoners’ file,
explained in an official statement on the “X” platform that the Amman agreement stipulates the release of approximately 1,728 detainees from both sides.
Kuzman described this step as a “fundamental humanitarian development.”
He also emphasized that it aims to end the suffering of thousands of Yemeni families who have long awaited the return of their loved ones.
According to the statement, the deal includes the release of members of the Arab Coalition forces, the armed forces, and security services.
In addition, the agreement includes the release of fighters from the Popular Resistance,
as well as politicians and journalists who have spent years in detention.
This agreement complements the outcomes of the “Muscat Understandings” signed on December 23rd.
These understandings outlined a three-phase roadmap.
Implementation phases and field committees
The first phase of the Amman Agreement involves the actual implementation of the agreed-upon exchange.
This will be followed by a second phase, which entails the formation of joint field committees,
under the supervision of the International Committee of the Red Cross,
to travel to the governorates and compile a comprehensive list of all those detained in connection with the events.
The third phase concerns the issue of bodies and remains. Technical committees will be formed to recover them
and address this complex matter within the legal and humanitarian frameworks.
Advancing the peace process
The Amman agreement comes after more than three months of consultations in Jordan to implement broader understandings
aimed at exchanging approximately 2,900 prisoners and detainees, including Saudi and Sudanese nationals.
This deal is the largest since the 2023 exchange of 900 detainees.
The government delegation affirmed its commitment to working on the “all for all” principle until the release of the last forcibly disappeared person.
The delegation also stressed that the success of this agreement is a cornerstone for building trust
and enhances the chances of reaching a comprehensive political settlement to end the war in Yemen.
Logistical arrangements for transporting the released prisoners via
the airports of Sana’a, Aden, Taiz, and Riyadh are expected to begin in the coming weeks.
