The UN Special Envoy for Yemen and the head of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) on Wednesday welcomed the release of the crew of a commercial ship held by Houthi rebels for more than a year.
The Houthis, also known as Ansar Allah, seized the MV Galaxy Leader in November 2023 as part of attacks against international shipping in the Red Sea they instigated in support of the Palestinian cause in Gaza.
The 25 sailors on board the car carrier, who come from several countries, were detained.
'Heartwarming news'
"The release of the Galaxy Leader crew is heartwarming news that puts an end to the arbitrary detention and separation that they and their families endured for more than a year," Special Envoy Hans Grundberg said in a statement .
He described the move as "a step in the right direction" and urged the Houthis "to continue these positive steps on all fronts, including ending all maritime attacks."
