### Major Breakthrough in Yemen: Government and Houthis Agree to Release 2,900 Detainees Yemen's ongoing civil war, which has persisted for over a decade, has seen a significant development as the internationally recognized government and the Iran-backed Houthi rebels have reached an agreement to release **2,900 detainees**. This deal, announced on December 23, 2025, is the largest prisoner exchange since the conflict began in 2014. The negotiations took place in Muscat, Oman, under the supervision of the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross. The agreement includes the release of detainees from both sides, including **seven Saudi nationals** and **23 Sudanese**. The U.N. special envoy for Yemen has described this as a positive step towards alleviating the suffering caused by the war, which has resulted in over **150,000 deaths** and a severe humanitarian crisis in the region [https://apnews.com/article/yemen-prisoners-release-war-houthis-7523c53ce1aff283866d10e9f38e5246][https://www.straitstimes.com/world/middle-east/houthis-yemen-government-say-to-exchange-nearly-3000-prisoners]. ### Structure of the Agreement and Its Implications 1. **Details of the Agreement**: - The agreement involves the release of **2,900 detainees**, marking the largest exchange since the war began. - Negotiations were facilitated by Oman, a key mediator in the conflict. - The exchange includes **1,700 Houthi prisoners** for **1,200 government detainees**, which notably includes high-profile individuals such as **Mohamed Qahtan**, a prominent Sunni Islamist leader [https://24newshd.tv/23-dec-2025/houthis-yemen-government-say-exchange-nearly-3-000-prisoners][https://www.turkiyetoday.com/region/yemen-houthis-agree-to-exchange-2900-prisoners-in-largest-swap-since-2014-3211809]. 2. **International Reactions**: - International organizations have expressed cautious optimism regarding the agreement. - The U.N. Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, welcomed the deal as a meaningful step towards easing the suffering of detainees and their families [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/3740059-historic-prisoner-exchange-pact-signals-hope-for-yemens-civil-war]. - The International Committee of the Red Cross has offered to assist in the transfer of prisoners and called for swift implementation of the agreement [https://www.wsls.com/news/world/2025/12/23/yemens-warring-sides-agree-to-release-2900-detainees-in-wars-largest-exchange]. 3. **Challenges Ahead**: - Despite the positive developments, significant challenges remain, including verifying detainee lists and ensuring a realistic timeline for the exchange. - Internal divisions within the Yemeni government and ongoing rivalries could complicate the implementation of the agreement [https://www.anews.com.tr/middle-east/2025/12/23/yemeni-government-houthis-reach-deal-to-exchange-prisoners]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Prisoner Exchange Details**: - Total detainees to be released: **2,900** - Breakdown: **1,700 Houthi prisoners** for **1,200 government detainees**. - Notable detainees: **7 Saudi nationals**, including **2 air force pilots** and **Mohamed Qahtan** [https://www.lbcgroup.tv/news/middleeastnews/896189/houthis-yemen-government-to-exchange-nearly-3000-prisoners-officials/en][https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/3739773-yemen-peace-hope-major-prisoner-release-agreement]. - **Humanitarian Impact**: - The civil war has resulted in over **150,000 deaths** and a severe humanitarian crisis, with millions displaced and in need of assistance [https://www.cp24.com/news/world/2025/12/23/yemens-warring-sides-agree-to-release-2900-detainees-in-wars-largest-exchange]. ### Conclusion: A Step Towards Peace in Yemen The agreement to release **2,900 detainees** represents a significant humanitarian breakthrough in Yemen's protracted civil war. 1. **Key Findings**: - The deal is the largest prisoner exchange since the war began, highlighting a potential thaw in relations between the warring parties. - International organizations view this as a positive step towards peace, although challenges remain in its implementation. 2. **Next Steps**: - Verification of detainee lists and a clear timeline for the exchange are crucial for the success of this agreement. - Continued engagement from international mediators and support from regional powers will be essential to maintain momentum towards a broader peace agreement [https://newsukraine.rbc.ua/news/yemen-agrees-on-largest-prisoner-exchange-1766517423.html][https://insiderpaper.com/houthis-yemen-government-to-exchange-nearly-3000-prisoners-officials].