Saudi-Houthi Peace Talks: Officials Exchange Prisoners in Historic Negotiations

Saudi Arabian officials traveled to Sana'a for peace talks with the Houthi rebel movement
Authorities agreed to prisoner exchanges as part of a historic moment in the years-long conflict
The war between the two sides has continued since and has resulted in tens of thousands of Yemeni people dead

Saudi Arabian authorities are negotiating peace with Houthis in Yemen's capital of Sana'a and have ordered the release of 13 prisoners, marking a historic moment in the years-long conflict.

A Saudi Arabian delegation traveled to Sana'a to meet with the Houthi rebel movement to seek a new route to peace for both sides. Furthermore, a mediation team from Oman also traveled to Sana'a.

Saudi Arabia Peace Talks with Houthi Rebels

Yemen's capital has been under the control of the Houthi rebels since 2015, after they forced back the Yemeni government. After they took the leadership post, war erupted between the rebels and a Saudi-led coalition that supported the region's government.

The conflict has continued since then to take control of the region's government, resulting in the death of tens of thousands of Yemeni people. According to BBC, it also forced roughly 80% of the population to rely on aid for their livelihoods.

A leaked photograph shows Houthi leader Mohammed Ali al-Houthi shaking the hands of a seemingly unknown Saudi official, whose face was not identifiable. The situation is seen as another sign that both sides are willing to reach an agreement to end the years-long conflict finally.

While no named officials have commented on the peace negotiations, there were reports that a deal could be reached between the two sides before the end of the month.

The terms of the potential agreement have yet to be revealed to the public. However, they are rumored to include commitments to provide salaries for public employees and reopen all ports and airports in the region.

The peace talks between Riyadh and Sana'a run in parallel with efforts conducted by the United Nations. Furthermore, the recent discussions gained momentum following Saudi Arabia and Iran, considered arch-rivals, re-establishing relations in a China-brokered deal, according to Reuters.

Ending the Years-Long Conflict

The Saudi envoys reportedly arrived in Sana'a on Saturday and met with Mahdi al-Mashat, the head of the Houthi Supreme Political Council, in the region's presidential palace. In a statement, Al-Mashat reiterated the group's position in seeking "honorable peace." He also said that the people of Yemen wanted "freedom and independence."

The release of more than a dozen Houthi detainees was conducted on Saturday. It was in response to the rebel movement releasing a Saudi prisoner held captive by the Houthis.

A Houthi official in charge of prisoner exchange talks, Abdul-Qadar al-Murtaza, said that the released prisoners were given their freedom under the deal agreed upon via the UN. He added that the agreement would be fully implemented by Thursday.

Al-Murtaza's remarks were about a UN-brokered deal that was struck in Switzerland last month and included the release of nearly 900 prisoners. Al Jazeera said the deal is considered one of several developments that underscore the movement seeking to end the eight-year-long war.