Iran-Backed Houthi Rebels Release 159 Pro-Government Fighters Under General Amnesty in Yemen
Sana’a, Yemen | October 17, 2026 | The Global Journal
Iran-backed Houthi rebels have released another 159 pro-government fighters under a general amnesty in Yemen. The release reportedly followed the group’s capture of extensive territory in the country. Pakistan’s Dawn newspaper reported the development, citing Agence France-Presse (AFP).
Speaking at a press conference in the Yemeni capital, Sana’a, Abdelqader al-Murtada, an official from the Houthis’ prisoner affairs committee, said the fighters had voluntarily surrendered without resistance as Houthi forces took control of strategic positions along the Red Sea coast. Their release was part of the group’s general amnesty initiative.
Red Cross Confirms Release of 159 Detainees
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) confirmed the release of the 159 detainees. The organization said it supported the process by conducting individual interviews with detainees before their release, assessing their health, facilitating contact with family members, and arranging assistance for their safe return home.
The ICRC also stated that the release was carried out unilaterally by the authorities in Sana’a. The organization did not determine the list of detainees to be released or the number of people included in the operation.
323 Detainees Released in Earlier Amnesty in Hudaydah
According to Houthi official al-Murtada, another 323 detainees who had voluntarily surrendered were released under the general amnesty last month in Yemen’s Hudaydah governorate. The latest release of 159 detainees is part of the continuing series of prisoner releases announced by the group.
Prisoner Release Amid Yemen’s Ongoing Conflict
Yemen has endured years of conflict between the Houthi movement and forces supporting the internationally recognized Yemeni government. Recent intensification of hostilities has raised further concerns about the country’s security and humanitarian situation.
The release of detainees under a general amnesty represents a notable development amid the ongoing conflict. However, it remains unclear whether the initiative will contribute to broader political negotiations or lead to a lasting ceasefire.
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