Iran-backed Houthi rebels raided offices of the United Nations’ food, health, and children’s agencies in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, on Sunday, detaining at least 11 personnel, reports said.
Abeer Etefa, spokesperson for the World Food Program (WFP), told The Associated Press that at least one staffer was detained in Sanaa, while others were reportedly held in nearby areas. The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF offices were also raided, according to a UN official and a Houthi source, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
“WFP reiterates that the arbitrary detention of humanitarian staff is unacceptable,” Etefa said. UNICEF spokesperson Ammar Ammar confirmed that several staffers had been detained, adding that the agency is working to account for all personnel in Houthi-controlled areas.
The raids mark the latest in an ongoing Houthi campaign against UN agencies and international organizations operating in rebel-held territories. Earlier this year, the UN suspended operations in Saada after the detention of eight staffers.
Sunday’s actions follow an Israeli strike on Thursday that killed Houthi Prime Minister Ahmed al-Rahawi, Foreign Minister Gamal Amer, Deputy Prime Minister Mohammed al-Medani, and several other Cabinet members, as well as a deputy interior minister. The strike was linked to recent Houthi attacks on Israel and shipping in the Red Sea.
Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi warned that attacks on Israel and merchant vessels will continue and escalate. UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg called for de-escalation, expressing “great concern” over recent strikes in Houthi-held areas.
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