Sanaa declares release of 159 Saudi-backed forces captives

SANAA, Oct. 17 (YPA) – The Sanaa-based Prisoners Affairs Committee declared on Saturday the release of a second batch of 159 captives from Saudi-backed forces on the western coast front, saying they had voluntarily laid down their weapons and surrendered without fighting.

In a statement, the committee head Abdulqader Al-Murtadha said the release implements the presidential general amnesty for those who abandon their weapons and return to the national fold.

He noted that the second batch follows an initial release of 323 captives, as well as several field releases involving hundreds of others.

Al-Murtadha said the successive releases demonstrate that the amnesty is being implemented on the ground.

He urged remaining members of Saudi-backed factions to return to their country and take advantage of the amnesty, warning that it would not remain in effect indefinitely.

Addressing the captives’ families, he said the committee was continuing its efforts to secure the release of all Sanaa-held prisoners.

He added that it holds prominent Saudi-backed commanders and officers, which could help secure the release of all Yemeni captives without exception.

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