NYN | News
Signs are emerging of new Saudi moves toward a possible rapprochement with the Ansar Allah movement (Houthis), amid a tense atmosphere and the exchange of political signals between the two sides.
In a notable development, Saudi authorities have recently released prominent Yemeni detainees who had been held for years on charges of spying for the Houthis (Ansar Allah).
Among the most prominent released is Mousa Omar Ghazi, who was arrested inside the Prophet’s Mosque in 2018 due to his opposition to the Saudi-led war on Yemen. Although a court acquitted him five years ago, he remained in detention under a political decision until his recent release, according to the “Prisoners of Conscience” account in Saudi Arabia.
Additionally, Presidential Leadership Council member Faraj Al-Bahsani announced the release of the Chief of Staff of the Second Military Region, Mohammed Al-Yemeni, who was transferred months ago from Hadhramaut to a Saudi prison over similar accusations. Al-Bahsani posted a photo of himself with Al-Yemeni following his release.
These individuals are part of a list of hundreds of Yemenis detained by Saudi Arabia since the war began in 2015.
Observers believe the timing of this move may reflect an attempt by Riyadh to de-escalate tensions with Sana’a or to send signals of openness, even if those released are not directly affiliated with the Houthi movement.
These developments come amid strained relations between Saudi Arabia and the government in Sana’a, and growing skepticism surrounding Riyadh’s recent maneuvers—described by some as an effort to reshuffle its cards in Yemen in service of broader regional agendas, including normalization with the Israeli occupation.
