Yemeni Factions Finalize Deal to Exchange 2,900 Detainees After Muscat Talks

The internationally recognized government of Yemen and the Houthi group formally concluded an agreement on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, to execute a large-scale exchange involving thousands of detainees. This significant humanitarian development was cemented following nearly two weeks of intensive, direct negotiations hosted in Muscat, Oman, a nation that has consistently served as a crucial mediator in the protracted Yemeni conflict.

The finalized accord mandates the reciprocal release of individuals held captive by both warring factions across the nation, marking a rare moment of tangible progress amidst the political fragmentation that has defined the conflict since its escalation in 2014. The negotiations successfully navigated complex hurdles to reach consensus, according to sources close to the talks. The specifics detail a commitment from the Houthi delegation to free 1,700 prisoners under their control. In return, the government side agreed to release 1,200 detainees in their custody, bringing the total number of individuals involved in the swap to 2,900 named persons.

The transaction also encompasses foreign nationals, specifically seven Saudi Arabian citizens and twenty-three Sudanese detainees. Among the Saudi nationals are two individuals identified as air force pilots, adding a layer of international diplomacy to the internal reconciliation effort. Majed Fadhail, a member of the government delegation, confirmed the scale of the releases, underscoring the magnitude of the humanitarian impact for nearly three thousand families.

This agreement is widely viewed as a critical confidence-building measure, particularly relevant given the current regional security environment, including heightened tensions in the Red Sea area. The United Nations Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, immediately welcomed the breakthrough, characterizing it as a positive and meaningful step that directly addresses the profound suffering endured by detainees and their families. Grundberg emphasized that the success of this agreement is contingent upon sustained cooperation from all parties and continued regional support.

The context of this swap is significant when measured against previous attempts at de-escalation, as it stands out as one of the most substantial prisoner releases since the consultations surrounding the 2018 Stockholm Agreement. Abdulqader al-Mortada, an official representing the Houthi delegation, confirmed the signing of the document, signaling a unified commitment to the terms. The structured nature of the exchange, involving specific numbers and nationalities, suggests a detailed, technical negotiation process, moving beyond abstract political maneuvering to deliver concrete results that can potentially build momentum for broader peace initiatives.