The United Nations has reduced its presence in areas controlled by the Houthis to just three foreign staff members. This decision follows the detention of 53 Yemeni employees and the storming of a residential complex, where 15 UN workers were interrogated. Urgent warnings have been issued regarding the risk of famine facing millions of residents.
According to John Allen, spokesperson for the UN Resident Coordinator in Yemen, twelve UN staff members left Sana’a yesterday on a flight operated by the UN’s humanitarian air service after being held at the complex.
Allen stated that the remaining three employees, who were also among those detained, are now able to move freely, while 53 local staff members continue to be held arbitrarily by the de facto authorities. This situation also affects NGO workers, civil society members, and diplomats.
The UN is closely monitoring this situation at all levels, maintaining ongoing communication with the relevant authorities in Sana’a, as well as with member states and partners, to ensure the prompt release of the detained individuals. The UN Secretary-General has reiterated calls for their immediate and unconditional release. There are growing concerns that these developments may hinder humanitarian efforts in Houthi-controlled regions.
Humanitarian operations have been suspended for two months following the group’s raid on the UN offices in Sana’a, where dozens were arrested on espionage charges. At the same time, relief organizations are warning of the potential spread of famine among the population, particularly in areas under Houthi control.