Yemen's warring sides swap 194 prisoners in Taiz

A man hugs his son after his release with other pro-government fighters in a prisoner swap between pro-government forces and Houthis in Taiz in central Yemen June 18, 2016. REUTERS/Stringer

RIYADH (Reuters) - Houthi and pro-government forces exchanged nearly 200 prisoners in Taiz in central Yemen on Saturday, the largest such swap to take place in the embattled city since the beginning of a civil war last year, local sources said.

The exchange of 118 Houthis and 76 pro-government fighters, will raise hopes that a ceasefire declared in April may be taking hold in Yemen's third largest city after repeated violations by both sides.