News – Yemen: Yemeni officials announced the conclusion of a major prisoner exchange agreement with the Saudi-backed side following a new round of negotiations hosted by Oman, marking a significant step forward in the humanitarian issue.

The head of Yemen’s National Committee for Prisoners’ Affairs, Abdulqader Al-Murtadha, said the agreement provides for the release of 1,700 detainees from the army and popular committees, in exchange for 1,200 prisoners affiliated with the Saudi-led aggression coalition. 

Those to be released include seven Saudi nationals and 23 Sudanese detainees. He noted that the agreement was reached after intensive negotiations and that efforts are ongoing to finalize the executive arrangements to ensure swift implementation.

Al-Murtadha emphasized that the prisoners’ issue remains a top priority, reaffirming continued efforts to secure the release of all detainees without exception, in line with humanitarian and moral principles guiding the handling of the file.

In parallel, the head of the n6ational Delegation, Mohammed Abdulsalam, confirmed the success of the Muscat talks, announcing that an agreement had been reached on a large-scale prisoner exchange involving thousands of detainees, including Yemeni, Saudi, and Sudanese nationals. He said the deal was concluded with the Saudi side and other parties in the Omani capital.

Both officials expressed deep appreciation to Oman for hosting and sponsoring the negotiations, praising Muscat’s humanitarian and diplomatic role in facilitating dialogue, bridging differences among the parties, and contributing to the successful outcome of the talks.

The prisoners’ issue is considered one of the most sensitive humanitarian dossiers in Yemen’s conflict, with previous exchange deals serving as rare confidence-building measures amid years of war and blockade imposed by the Saudi-led aggression coalition. 

Oman has repeatedly played a key mediating role in prisoner negotiations, contributing to limited breakthroughs despite ongoing military and political tensions.