ADEN, Dec 23 (NNN-SABA) – A prisoner swap between the government and the Houthi rebels took place successfully yesterday, in the country’s southern province of Lahj, a military official said.
Nine fighters of the Houthi rebel group were set free, in exchange for the release of five government soldiers from the militia’s jails, local military source said.
He said, the exchange of prisoners between the two rivals occurred, under the auspices of local mediators.
Tribal mediators affiliated with the two-warring sides, conducted a series of negotiations during the past weeks and succeeded in reaching this deal.
Earlier this month, pro-government forces released about 15 members of the Houthi rebel group from their jails, in the southern province of Dhalea.
The Houthi rebel group, meanwhile, set free a total of 15 pro-government southern soldiers in return.
Yemen’s local tribal mediators have more than once succeeded in completing prisoner exchanges between government forces and the Houthis, in different areas of the war-torn country.
