Government Delegation Blames Houthi Militia for Stalled Prisoner Exchange

The Yemeni government delegation has refuted claims made by the Houthi-affiliated prisoner affairs committee regarding the failure to implement a detainee exchange deal, asserting that the Houthi militia bears full responsibility for the impasse.

Yahya Kozman, deputy head of the government's negotiation delegation, dismissed statements by Abdul Qader Al-Murtada, head of the Houthi committee, as untrue. Kozman clarified that the Houthi militia actively obstructed the agreement's execution.

According to Kozman, the Houthi side requested, via the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), a postponement of the exchange operation. Furthermore, they prevented the completion of logistical arrangements for scheduled flights, including the detention of an ICRC aircraft at Sanaa Airport.

Kozman emphasized that the government delegation fulfilled all its obligations stipulated in the agreement and completed the necessary procedures for its implementation. He squarely placed the responsibility for the stalled deal and the continued suffering of detainees and their families on the Houthi militia.

The government official urged the Houthi militia to commit to implementing the agreed-upon deal without delay or using the issue for political blackmail, ensuring the release of detainees and an end to their families' ordeal.