Yemen's Government Says Houthis Delayed Prisoner Swap, Detained ICRC Aircraft

Yemen's internationally recognized government accused the Houthi movement on Thursday of delaying the implementation of a prisoner exchange agreement, saying the group had requested a postponement of the operation and prevented preparations for the scheduled exchange flights.

Yahya Kazman, deputy head of the government's negotiating delegation, rejected claims by Houthi official Abdulqader Al-Murtada that the government was responsible for the delay, describing the allegations as "completely false."

According to Kazman, the Houthis, through the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), requested that the exchange be postponed. He also alleged that the group prevented the completion of flight arrangements, including by detaining an ICRC aircraft at Sana'a airport.

Kazman said the government had fulfilled all of its obligations under the agreement and blamed the Houthis for the stalled exchange, saying the delay had prevented detainees and their families from completing the agreed process.