EU calls on Houthis to immediately and unconditionally release kidnapped staff

The European Union called on the Houthi militias on Wednesday to immediately and unconditionally release all abducted aid workers and diplomatic missions.

The European Union mission to Yemen said in a brief statement on the X platform: "The European Union welcomes the release of the crew of the ship "Galaxy Leader", which includes European citizens."

"This will bring peace to the families and contribute to the necessary de-escalation of the conflict in the Red Sea region. The European Union expresses its deep appreciation to Oman for facilitating their release," the statement added.

He continued: "The European Union reiterates the call of the UN Secretary-General for the immediate and unconditional release of UN, NGO and diplomatic staff arbitrarily detained by the Houthis."

The statement stressed that "the European Union will continue to support the efforts led by the United Nations towards sustainable peace in Yemen."

Earlier today, the Houthi militia announced that it had released the crew of the ship (Galaxy Leader). It said that "the crew was handed over to our brothers in the Sultanate of Oman in coordination with the Hamas movement as part of the ceasefire arrangements in Gaza."

A high-ranking Omani delegation recently visited Sanaa to mediate with the Houthi group to release the crew of the Galaxy Leader ship, which it has been holding since November 19, 2023, after seizing it 50 nautical miles west of the city of Hodeidah in western Yemen.

Source: Yemen Youth Net