Yemen’s Houthis Detain UN Staff in Major Escalation

United Nations officials confirmed a major security incident in Yemen on Sunday. Houthi rebels are holding 20 UN staff members. The detentions follow an unauthorized raid on a UN compound in Sanaa.

This event marks a significant escalation against international aid groups. According to Reuters, the UN is engaging with all relevant parties to secure the immediate release of its personnel.

Details of the Compound Raid and Detainees

The raid occurred on Saturday. Houthi security forces entered the UN facility without permission. Initial reports confirmed staff were safe and accounted for.

The situation clarified on Sunday. A UN spokesman stated five national and fifteen international staff remain detained. A UN official, speaking anonymously to the Associated Press, confirmed UNICEF’s Yemen representative was among those held.

Broader Pattern of Accusations and Arrests

This is not an isolated incident. The Houthis stormed other UN offices in late August. More than 11 employees were detained at that time.

A senior Houthi official previously accused detained UN workers of espionage. They alleged links to US and Israeli intelligence operations. The UN has consistently called these accusations dangerous and unacceptable.

The rebel leader recently claimed his forces dismantled a spy network. He said it was linked to groups like the World Food Program and UNICEF. The UN strongly denies all these allegations.

The humanitarian coordinator for Yemen was recently relocated from Sanaa to Aden. This move reflects the deteriorating security for international organizations in Houthi-controlled areas. Dozens of UN and NGO workers have been arrested in recent months.

The ongoing detention of UN staff in Yemen severely hinders critical aid operations. This crisis threatens one of the world’s largest humanitarian responses. The international community watches for a swift resolution.

Info at your fingertips

How many UN staff are currently detained by the Houthis?

The UN confirms 20 staff members are being held. This includes 15 international employees and 5 national staff members.

Who is the most prominent official among those detained?

UNICEF’s representative in Yemen, Peter Hawkins, is among the detained international staff. His detention was confirmed by a UN official speaking to the Associated Press.

What reasons have the Houthis given for these detentions?

Houthi leaders have accused some aid workers of espionage. They claim to have uncovered a spy network linked to the US and Israel. The UN calls these claims baseless and dangerous.

Has this kind of detention happened before?

Yes. The Houthis stormed another UN office on August 31. They detained more than 11 employees during that earlier incident.

How is the UN responding to this situation?

The UN is in talks with Houthi authorities, member states, and Yemen’s government. Their goal is to secure the immediate release of all personnel and restore control of their facilities.

Trusted Sources

Agence France-Presse (AFP), Associated Press, Reuters