Yemen’s Houthi militia has detained 11 UN agency employees, raising concerns and prompting calls for their immediate release. The staff members, including men and women from various UN agencies, were taken under unclear circumstances. The UN is actively seeking clarification and access to ensure their safety.
Other aid groups have also reported staff detentions by the Houthis, condemning these actions as oppressive and a violation of international law. Concerns for the safety and well-being of the detained employees have been expressed by various organizations, including Save the Children and Care International.
Despite growing international attention on their actions, the secretive Houthi group continues to crackdown on dissent at home and faces increasing airstrikes from a US-led coalition. The US military has reported intercepting missiles launched by the Houthis, while the militia claims new strikes on Hodeida and Sana’a.
As pressure mounts, the US plans to block revenue sources for the Houthis, including a significant Saudi payment meant for government salaries in Houthi-held territory. The situation remains precarious as international concerns grow over the welfare of those detained.