Warring Yemeni sides agree to prisoner swap

Deal involves exchange of 3,000 people, including 1,700 Houthis

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Yemen's Houthis and its internationally-recognised government yesterday agreed to a prisoner swap that includes nearly 3,000 people, making it the largest such exchange should it succeed.

The breakthrough deal came after nearly a fortnight of discussions between Yemeni officials from both sides in Muscat, the capital of neighbouring Oman, a key mediator in the conflict that has lasted for over a decade.

Officials gave few details about the next steps, with observers pressing both sides to follow through to bolster peace efforts.