Yemen Government and Houthi Rebels Reach Deal to Release 1,600 Detainees
The internationally recognized government of Yemen and Houthi rebels signed a landmark agreement in Amman, Jordan, on May 14, 2026, to release over 1,600 detainees. The swap is the largest during the 11-year civil war and follows 14 weeks of UN-mediated negotiations. The deal includes 1,100 Houthi-affiliated prisoners and 580 government-affiliated detainees, including seven Saudis and 20 Sudanese. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) will facilitate the repatriation as part of broader peace efforts.