Houthi Rebels Detain 20 UN Staff in Yemen’s Capital
Sana’a, Yemen - Houthi rebels have detained 20 United Nations staff members in Sana’a, Yemen, escalating tensions with the international community and disrupting vital humanitarian operations. the raids on UN facilities mark the second such incident in the Yemeni capital within 24 hours.
the detentions, which include five Yemenis and 15 international workers, come amid a broader crackdown by the Houthis on international organizations operating in rebel-held areas. While 11 staff were released after questioning on Sunday, the continued detention of personnel and confiscation of communications equipment – including phones, servers, and computers - threatens the UN’s ability to deliver aid to a country already grappling with a devastating humanitarian crisis.
A UN spokesperson stated that officials are in contact with the Houthis and other parties ”to resolve this serious situation as swiftly as possible,end the detention of all personnel,and restore full control over its facilities in Sana’a.” the detained employees represent agencies including the World Food Program (WFP), Unicef, and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
This latest action follows the detention of scores of people, including over 50 UN staffers, by the iran-backed group. A WFP worker died in detention earlier this year in Saada province. The Houthis have accused the detained staff, without providing evidence, of espionage, allegations the UN has vehemently denied.
The UN suspended operations in Saada following the detention of eight staff in January and relocated its top humanitarian coordinator from Sana’a to Aden, the seat of the internationally recognized government. The Houthis have been conducting operations against international organizations in Sana’a, Hodeidah, and their stronghold in Saada.
