Houthi Rebels Detain Two UN Workers Amid Escalating Crackdown

On Saturday, Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen intensified their crackdown on the United Nations by detaining two additional workers from the World Food Program (WFP), according to U.N. officials. The detentions occurred in the capital, Sanaa, and have raised concerns about the safety and operational viability of U.N. personnel in the region.

Details of the Detentions

The two female WFP employees were taken from their homes, and their current whereabouts remain unknown. Notably, one of the women is reported to be in critical condition after suffering a premature birth earlier this month, which resulted in the loss of her baby. This individual is the sister of another WFP staff member who had been briefly detained earlier in the month.

Family members of the detained workers have expressed serious concerns. The brother of the critically ill woman, who suffers from kidney failure, was released by the Houthis due to his deteriorating health. These details were confirmed by U.N. officials who requested anonymity as they are not authorized to speak publicly.

Escalating Tensions and U.N. Response

This latest incident is part of a broader trend of increasing hostility from the Houthis towards the United Nations. Earlier in the week, the rebels detained two other U.N. workers and conducted multiple raids on the homes of U.N. staff. According to the U.N., over two dozen workers have been detained in recent weeks, although 12 international staff members were allowed to leave Yemen on March 15, 2024.

Currently, at least 55 U.N. staff members remain in custody, alongside numerous personnel from other non-governmental organizations and diplomatic missions. The situation has compelled the U.N. to reevaluate its operations in Yemen, leading to a suspension of activities in Saada province following the detention of eight staffers in January. Furthermore, the U.N. relocated its top humanitarian coordinator from Sanaa to Aden, the seat of the internationally recognized government.

The Houthis have alleged, without providing evidence, that the detained U.N. personnel and staff from other international organizations are spies. The U.N. has categorically denied these accusations, emphasizing the essential humanitarian work being conducted in Yemen amidst a protracted conflict.

The situation continues to evolve, with the potential for further implications on humanitarian efforts in Yemen, a country already grappling with one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. As tensions rise, the international community watches closely to understand the full ramifications of this crackdown on U.N. operations.