Houthi Rebels Detain 20 UN Employees in Yemen, 11 Released

Houthi rebels detained a total of 20 employees from various United Nations agencies in the Yemeni capital, Sana’a, on Sunday. This incident involved 15 international workers and five Yemenis. Following interrogation, the rebels released 11 of the detainees, while the remaining staff members remain in custody. The detained personnel are affiliated with organizations including the World Food Programme (WFP), UNICEF, and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

This incident marks the second raid on a UN facility in Sana’a within a 24-hour period. According to the Associated Press, the Houthi group has been increasingly targeting international organizations operating in areas under their control, such as Sana’a, the coastal city of Hodeidah, and the stronghold of Saada.

UN’s Response to the Detention

A spokesperson for the UN stated that officials are in communication with the Houthi leaders and other relevant parties to resolve the situation promptly. The UN aims to secure the release of all personnel and regain full control over its facilities in Sana’a. Reports indicate that the rebels have confiscated all communication equipment from the UN facility, including phones, servers, and computers.

The overall security environment for UN personnel in Yemen has deteriorated. To date, more than 50 UN staff members have been detained by the Iran-backed group. Earlier this year, a WFP employee died while in detention in Saada. A UN official, speaking anonymously to the Associated Press, noted that the Houthis have accused detained UN staff and other international workers of being spies, claims the UN has categorically denied.

In January, the UN suspended its operations in Saada following the detention of eight staff members. The escalating tensions have raised concerns about the safety and efficacy of humanitarian efforts in a country already facing severe challenges due to prolonged conflict and a humanitarian crisis.

The UN continues to emphasize the need for the protection of its personnel and the importance of humanitarian access in Yemen, a country that has experienced one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises in recent years.