Houthis Detain Nine More UN Staff in Escalating Crackdown

The Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen have detained nine more employees of the United Nations, escalating a campaign against international organizations operating in the region. According to a statement from UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric, this latest round of detentions brings the total number of UN staff held in Houthi-controlled areas to 53 since 2021.

While the specific circumstances and timing of the detentions remain unclear, Dujarric highlighted that this ongoing crackdown is severely hindering the UN’s ability to deliver essential aid to Yemen’s population, one of the poorest in the Arab world. He called for the “immediate and unconditional release” of all detained UN personnel and international organization workers, emphasizing that they deserve respect and protection under international law.

The Houthis have not publicly responded to requests for comment regarding the latest detentions. Previously, they have justified their actions by claiming a connection to an alleged espionage network. In a notable incident in August 2023, Houthi forces raided UN offices in the capital, Sanaa, detaining 19 staff members, including the deputy director of UNICEF in Yemen, Lana Shukri Kataw, who was later released.

These actions are part of a broader trend of increasing hostility toward international organizations in Houthi-dominated areas. Following the detention of eight UN staff members in January, the organization has been forced to suspend operations in the Houthi stronghold of Saada and relocate its top humanitarian coordinator from Sanaa to the coastal city of Aden, where the internationally recognized government is based.

Yemen has been embroiled in a civil war since 2014 when the Houthis seized control of Sanaa and much of northern Yemen, leading to the exile of the internationally recognized government. In 2015, a coalition led by Saudi Arabia intervened in the conflict, aiming to restore the displaced government. The war has reached a stalemate in recent years, although a deal between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia resulted in a cessation of attacks on each other’s territories.

In addition to conflicts with Saudi Arabia, the Houthis have engaged in tit-for-tat attacks with Israel over the war in Gaza. They have also targeted ships in the Red Sea, alleging connections to Israel. Israel has responded with airstrikes following Houthi missile and drone attacks directed at its territory.

The situation remains fluid, with humanitarian efforts in Yemen facing significant obstacles due to the ongoing conflict and the Houthis’ aggressive stance toward international organizations.