The Saudi-led Arab Coalition’s spokesman, Brig. Gen. Turki Al-Maliki, has denied Houthi leader Hussein Al-Ezzi's claims of a recent handover of his brother's body, calling them misleading.
Al-Maliki told Asharq Al-Awsat that the claims, circulated by Houthi-linked outlets, are “inaccurate and lack credibility.”
He clarified that the exchange of remains took place in June 2023, involving the recovery of nine Saudi soldiers and 20 Yemeni army personnel, as well as the return of 57 Houthi fighters killed at the border.
Hussein Al-Ezzi, a senior Houthi figure and former deputy foreign minister in Yemen’s unrecognized government, announced his brother’s death in a post on X, accompanied by a photo.
Al-Ezzi stated there would be no condolence gathering, claiming the focus should remain on the group’s fight against Israel.
When asked about the timing of the announcement, Al-Maliki dismissed the claims as misleading.
"Such statements are likely made for internal Houthi reasons. Notably, the name mentioned was not among those listed during negotiations for body exchanges. It’s possible this individual was killed in regional conflicts,” Al-Maliki said.
Al-Maliki emphasized that the coalition views the exchange of prisoners and remains as a strictly humanitarian matter.
“This issue should not be politicized by any party, in line with Islamic values, humanitarian principles, and cultural traditions,” he said.
