Two ICRC planes, each carrying 48 prisoners, left for Sanaa, while eight other detainees boarded a third flight for Aden, the major southern city where the Yemeni government is based.
A spokesperson said the Geneva-based ICRC was providing airlift and logistical support, and arranging interviews with the released detainees. The operation, which comes just days before the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of the fasting month of Ramadan, brings the number of detainees released since Friday to 973.
The exchange of detainees this weekend was part of a deal struck in March in Geneva between the Yemeni government, backed by a Saudi-led military coalition, and the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels.
It is the biggest release since October 2020, when more than 1,000 prisoners were freed. It raises hopes for peace in a conflict that has plunged Yemen into a deep humanitarian crisis, left hundreds of thousands dead and millions displaced, according to the UN.
A six-month UN-brokered truce that began in April 2022 was not renewed when it expired in October, but the situation on the ground has remained calm, offering a respite to the population.
Popular Stories
More
Life & Aging
Switzerland no longer wants to foot the bill for ‘suicide tourism’
As a Swiss Abroad, how do you feel about the emergence of more conservative family policies in some US states?
In recent years several US states have adopted more conservative policies on family issues, abortion and education. As a Swiss citizen living there, how do you view this development?
Swiss National Bank confirms CHF81 billion profit in 2024
This content was published on
The Swiss National Bank (SNB) has confirmed that it recorded a profit of CHF 80.7 billion for 2024. As already announced, it will resume distributions to the federal government and cantons, amounting to CHF 3 billion.
Group seeks home for historic Battle of Murten panorama painting
This content was published on
A group of enthusiasts is seeking a new home for the monumental historic "Battle of Murten" painting that depicts the victory of the Swiss cantons over the Duke of Burgundy in 1476.
Measures against Swiss ‘signatures scam’ appear to have an effect
This content was published on
The measures taken to prevent forged signatures being used for people's initiatives in Switzerland appear to be having an impact.
Swiss political party opposes free trade deal with US
This content was published on
Leaders of the left-wing Social Democratic Party in Switzerland say they are against the idea of a free trade agreement with the United States.
Study reports 12 female CEOs in top 100 Swiss companies
This content was published on
More women are in management and on the board of directors at the largest Swiss companies than ever before. But they remain a clear minority, a new report shows.
Geneva to host conference on Middle East conflict on March 7
This content was published on
A conference on the situation of civilians living in the Israeli occupied territories will take place in Geneva on March 7, the Swiss foreign ministry has confirmed.
Swiss central bank chief rejects holding bitcoin in reserves
This content was published on
Swiss National Bank (SNB) President Martin Schlegel rejects the idea that the central bank should hold part of its reserves in bitcoin, as proposed by a people's initiative.
The legal changes that come into force in Switzerland on March 1
This content was published on
On March 1, a number of legal changes come into force relating to self-driving cars, increased imports of grain and lower electricity usage costs. Here is an overview.
Swiss president condemns Russian aggression and calls for peace in Ukraine
This content was published on
Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter has reaffirmed Switzerland's commitment to a "just and lasting" peace in Ukraine, while condemning Russian aggression.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.