Is it permissible to ransom Muslim prisoners using zakaah money?

Is ransoming Muslim prisoners using zakaah money included in the phrase (interpretation of the meaning): “and to free the captives” [al-Tawbah 9:60]?

Praise be to Allah, and blessings and peace be upon the Messenger of Allah:

Ransoming Muslim prisoners who have been captured by kaafirs is better than freeing slaves, so it is included and indeed takes priority, because they suffer great harm by being separated from their families and because of the humiliation and torture. So saving them is even more important than saving slaves.