The Houthi group, designated as a terrorist organization by several countries, has reportedly agreed in principle to release several UN and international staff detained in recent weeks, according to a source in Sana'a.

The source, speaking to "Barran Press" on condition of anonymity for security reasons, said the agreement came after sustained pressure on the Houthis from Oman and other unnamed parties.

The source revealed that Houthi leader Mohammed Ali al-Houthi held a meeting with senior Houthi security officials in the past two days to discuss the release of some of the detained UN and local staff.

The meeting reportedly "approved the implementation of the group's standard procedure for dealing with detainees accused of working for 'the enemy,' which involves obtaining guarantees and pledges to refrain from any activities inconsistent with their project."

According to the source, "external pressure on the Houthi group has resulted in tangible flexibility from the group to release some of the detainees."

The source suggested that the group "may begin releasing some of these detainees in the coming days to quell the growing international and UN outrage against them."

Since the beginning of the second week of June, the Houthis have launched a widespread arrest campaign targeting international and UN staff working in Sana'a, Hodeidah, Sa'ada, and Amran. The campaign has also targeted Yemeni nationals employed by the UN and international organizations.

A joint statement by 116 Yemeni organizations reported that the number of detainees has reached "50 staff members from international organizations, UN agencies, and civil society organizations."

On June 11, UN Secretary-General António Guterres described the Houthi group's abduction of UN staff as "a worrying development that raises serious concerns about the Houthis' commitment to a negotiated solution to the conflict." He called for "the immediate release of all detained UN staff."