Sana'a -- Houthi militias have released prominent academic Dr. Hamoud al-‘Oudi and engineer Abdulrahman al-‘Alfi after nearly three weeks in custody.

The two men had been detained under unclear circumstances, sparking concern among civil society groups and fellow professionals.

Witnesses reported that their release came late Sunday, following growing calls from political and social figures demanding their freedom. 

The detention of al-‘Oudi, a well-known intellectual, and al-‘Alfi, a respected engineer, had drawn criticism over the targeting of non-political figures amid Yemen’s ongoing conflict.

The release is seen as a partial easing of pressure, though concerns remain over broader restrictions on freedoms and civic space.