Red Cross announces exchange of nearly 900 prisoners in Yemen war

International Committee of the Red Cross organises swap between Saudi-led coalition and Houthi rebels, as ceasefire talks continue

An “emotional and precious” exchange of nearly 900 prisoners involved in Yemen’s long-running war began on Friday, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said.

The exchange, the largest since 2020, is likely to be staged over three days, and includes politicians, journalists and soldiers. On Friday four flights carrying a total of 318 people took place between the rebel-held capital, Sana’a, and government-controlled Aden. A further 500 will be exchanged on Saturday.