Yemen government blames Houthis for delay in major prisoner‑exchange deal

Yemen's internationally recognised government says the Houthi militia has blocked a large‑scale prisoner‑exchange agreement, postponing its implementation indefinitely. The deal, signed in Amman on 14 May 2026, was to free about 1,700‑1,728 detainees from both sides under the auspices of the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross, with a launch scheduled for 11 July 2026.

Government negotiator Hadi Haig stated that his team had completed all required preparations, while the Houthis allegedly refused to include the remaining prisoners in their custody, using the humanitarian file for political and military leverage. The ICRC and the UN envoy reported the Houthi refusal to the government.

Sana’a’s National Committee for Prisoners’ Affairs also accused the Saudi‑backed coalition of obstructing the exchange for political and military gains, blaming it for the continued suffering of detainees and their families. Both parties trade accusations of delay, and no new timetable has been announced.