The first plane left Sanaa as part of the exchange. The last operation of this magnitude dates back to October 2020.
The prisoner exchange process is to take place over three days in various parts of Yemen and Saudi Arabia. A rare Saudi delegation was in Sanaa this week with only a "preliminary agreement" of truce and the promise of "new talks", according to a rebel official who wished to remain anonymous. The talks focused on a six-month truce paving the way for a three-month period of talks on a two-year transition.