Houthis Storm UN Office in Yemen Capital, Detain Staff

Houthi Forces Raid UN Facility in Sanaa

In a dramatic escalation of tensions, Houthi rebels have stormed a United Nations office in Yemen's capital Sanaa, detaining at least 20 staff members and confiscating critical equipment. The raid, which occurred over the weekend, targeted a UN facility in the southern Hada district housing multiple humanitarian agencies including UNICEF and the World Food Programme.

Staff Detained and Equipment Seized

According to UN officials speaking to Associated Press, the detained personnel include five Yemeni nationals and fifteen international staff members from various UN agencies. During the operation, Houthi militants confiscated all communications equipment including phones, servers, and computers, severely hampering humanitarian operations in the region. 'We are deeply concerned about our colleagues' safety and are working through all available channels to secure their immediate release,' a UN spokesperson stated.

Pattern of Escalating Tensions

This incident represents the latest in a series of confrontations between the Houthis and international organizations. Since 2021, the rebels have detained more than 50 UN personnel according to UN reports. The Houthis have repeatedly accused UN agencies of espionage, allegations that UN Secretary-General António Guterres has consistently rejected. 'These baseless accusations undermine the vital humanitarian work being done to help the Yemeni people,' Guterres emphasized in a recent statement.

Humanitarian Crisis Worsens

The detentions threaten to exacerbate Yemen's already dire humanitarian situation. The country has been embroiled in civil war since 2014 when Houthi forces seized control of Sanaa, leading to a Saudi-led military intervention. The conflict has created what the UN calls one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, with millions dependent on international aid for survival. 'When humanitarian workers are targeted, it's the most vulnerable who suffer most,' noted a regional analyst.

International Response and Calls for Release

UN Secretary-General Guterres has issued a strong condemnation of the detentions, demanding the immediate and unconditional release of all UN personnel. The international community has expressed growing concern about the safety of humanitarian workers in Houthi-controlled areas. The incident comes amid heightened regional tensions and raises serious questions about the future of humanitarian operations in Yemen.