UN Envoy to Yemen Urges Exchange of Detainee Lists

The UN envoy to Yemen, Hans Grundberg (Reuters)
The UN envoy to Yemen, Hans Grundberg (Reuters)
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UN Envoy to Yemen Urges Exchange of Detainee Lists

The UN envoy to Yemen, Hans Grundberg (Reuters)
The UN envoy to Yemen, Hans Grundberg (Reuters)

The UN envoy to Yemen, Hans Grundberg, called on Wednesday to expedite the exchange of the lists of prisoners and detainees to ensure their release under the agreement of last March.

According to a statement issued by Grundberg's Office, the government and the Houthi militias agreed to establish a joint team to verify the identity of the detainees and prisoners on each party's list.

"A proposal was put forward to form a committee that brings together both parties under a joint framework to support the process of verifying the identities of the names of detainees included in their respective lists, provided that agreement is reached on details following consultation with relevant authorities," read the statement.

It said that the parties agreed to intensify efforts to finalize and consolidate lists of detainees from all sides as soon as possible.

They also agreed to facilitate visits by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to detention centers to assist with verifying the identities.

The parties also agreed to establish a joint committee to support verifying detainees' identities in the lists.

A previous statement issued by the Office stated that the Supervisory Committee on the Implementation of the Detainees Release and Exchange Agreement concluded its sixth meeting in Amman following six days of discussions to identify the names of detainees who will be released based on the numbers agreed upon by the parties in March.

Grundberg asserted that he would intensify his "engagements with the parties to ensure the full implementation of all the parties' obligations in the truce."

The statement expressed Grundberg's regret that an agreement to release detainees and prisoners has not yet been completed, which leads to more suffering.

He hoped the lists would be finalized as soon as possible, with priority given to the unconditional release of sick, wounded, children, arbitrarily detained, political detainees, and journalists.



US Issues Security Alerts for Iran, Iraq, Israel and Jordan, Warns of Missile Attacks

Armored vehicles of the Iraqi Counter Terrorism Forces are deployed outside the US embassy building in Baghdad's Green Zone on June 12, 2025. (AFP)
Armored vehicles of the Iraqi Counter Terrorism Forces are deployed outside the US embassy building in Baghdad's Green Zone on June 12, 2025. (AFP)
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US Issues Security Alerts for Iran, Iraq, Israel and Jordan, Warns of Missile Attacks

Armored vehicles of the Iraqi Counter Terrorism Forces are deployed outside the US embassy building in Baghdad's Green Zone on June 12, 2025. (AFP)
Armored vehicles of the Iraqi Counter Terrorism Forces are deployed outside the US embassy building in Baghdad's Green Zone on June 12, 2025. (AFP)

The US State Department issued security alerts on Friday for several Middle Eastern countries, in some cases advising against travel and warning of possible missile attacks after Israel launched military strikes against Iran. 

It warned American citizens not to travel to Iran and said those there should leave. "US citizens who are unable to depart Iran should shelter in place," the advisory read. 

The alerts warned of missiles, drones or rockets flying over Iraqi and Jordanian airspace. "In the event of such an incident seek overhead cover and shelter in place. Do not expose yourself to falling debris," the department said. 

Israel said on Friday it had targeted Iran's nuclear facilities, ballistic missile factories and military commanders at the start of what it warned would be a prolonged operation to prevent Tehran from building an atomic weapon. 

Iran promised a harsh response to the onslaught. Israel said about 100 drones had been launched towards Israeli territory in retaliation, although an Iranian source denied this. 

Airlines steered clear of much of the Middle East on Friday after the Israeli attacks forced carriers to cancel or divert thousands of flights in the latest upheaval to travel in the region. 

Late on Thursday, the State Department said it had directed all US government employees and their family members in Israel to shelter in place until further notice.