The Government of Mexico announced on Wednesday, January 22, the release of Mexicans Marcos Gómez Jerez and Arturo Alberto Zacarías Meza, who were part of the crew of the ship 'Galaxy Leader' seized in November 2023 by Houthi militants in Yemen. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE) celebrated their return in a statement, highlighting the diplomatic efforts made to achieve this release.
The released Mexicans were received by the Mexican ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Aníbal Gómez Toledo, and embassy staff. The SRE reported that since the ship's capture, there had been intense diplomatic activity, including efforts and contacts with countries such as Oman, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UN, and the International Committee of the Red Cross.
According to the Foreign Ministry, "It is important to mention that the Houthi leaders had conditioned the release of the crew of the 'Galaxy Leader' on a ceasefire and an improvement of conditions in Gaza, so the agreement reached between Israel and Hamas facilitated their release." The Mexican government thanked the countries and entities that collaborated in this process.
The release of the crew of the 'Galaxy Leader' was the result of a coordinated operation between the Houthi rebels in Yemen, the Islamist group Hamas, and the mediation of Oman. After more than a year of being held hostage, the signing of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Palestine paved the way for the release of the individuals held on the ship.
Arturo Zacarías' family expressed their excitement and eagerness to welcome him back to Mexico. After making manifestations and requests for help to the federal government, they finally received the news of his release with joy. Although still unaware of Arturo's exact return route, the family eagerly anticipates his arrival in Misantla, Veracruz, his home. The government of Mexico will facilitate his transfer through embassies from the Middle East to Europe and finally to Mexico.
