Houthis release Yemeni journalist Hisham al-Omeisy after more than 150 days in captivity

Yemen's Houthi rebels have released journalist Hisham al-Omeisy, who was detained by the Iran-backed group for over five months.

Omeisy was released among with a batch of other detainees accused of affiliation with Yemen's slain former President Ali Abdullah Saleh, sources told the Yemen Monitor website.

"Hisham al-Omesiy is free, the decision was made three days ago," Mohammed al-Bukhaithi, spokesperson for the Houthi armed group told the Middle East Monitor.

Later, pictures emerged of 38-year-old Omeisy on Twitter celebrating his release with his family and friends.

Twitter Post

Hisham al-Omeisy, a father of two, has gained widespread popularity over the years for his unbiased reporting on the war in Yemen.

The 38-year-old was a vocal critic of all parties involved in the Yemen's civil war, which has left over 10,000 dead. It has given him credibility across international media, where he has published numerous articles and provided unmatched analysis and contributions on a somewhat messy conflict.

But on 11 August, Omeisy's popular Twitter account - which boasts more than 25,000 followers - fell silent after one last harrowing tweet.

"Armed goons backed by corrupt officials are forcefully taking real estate in Sanaa. They just showed up at my door," Omeisy wrote.

Just hours later, the daunting reality was confirmed in a separate tweet posted on an account belonging to Omeisy's close friend.

Since then, commentator has had no access to lawyers or his family, and little is known on his fate and well-being.

On Sunday, IFEX marked more than 150 days since Omeisy's enforced disappearance.