The Ansar Allah movement in Yemen has unilaterally released 153 detainees who had participated in military operations on behalf of the internationally recognized government, according to a statement by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

The release, which took place in the Yemeni capital Sana’a, was facilitated by the ICRC. In its statement, the humanitarian organization confirmed that it had supported the process following a request from the National Committee for Prisoners Affairs.

"Today, 153 conflict-related detainees were released in Sana’a. This unilateral release was supported by an ICRC team," the statement read. The ICRC emphasized that the released individuals had been visited regularly by its teams in Sana’a as part of efforts to ensure humane treatment and detention conditions.

Ahead of the release, the ICRC conducted private interviews with the detainees to confirm their identities and inform their families of the imminent release. Medical evaluations were also carried out by ICRC staff to assess the detainees' health and their fitness for travel. Individual travel arrangements were made for those requiring additional assistance.

The move was announced earlier by Abdul Qader al-Murtada, head of Ansar Allah's Committee for Prisoners' Affairs. He noted that the release had been ordered by Ansar Allah leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi and Mahdi Al-Mashat, the head of the movement’s Supreme Political Council.

The civil war in Yemen has led to a catastrophic humanitarian crisis, with millions of people displaced, widespread hunger, and collapsing infrastructure. The ICRC and other international organizations continue to work on alleviating the suffering caused by the conflict.

This unilateral release marks a significant gesture amid the ongoing strife, though the broader resolution of Yemen's civil war remains elusive. (ILKHA)