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.
Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry says 19 citizens have been repatriated following a deadly drone attack on two cargo ships in the Sea of Azov on 5 June....
A discreet visit to Kyiv by Russian billionaire and businessman Roman Abramovich has reignited debate about the role of unofficial diplomacy in effort...
At least 13 people were killed and 14 others wounded after Pakistani airstrikes targeted areas in eastern Afghanistan, according to Taliban spokespers...
U.S. forces say they have completed strikes on Iranian military sites near the Strait of Hormuz. Iran responded with missile attacks on an American b...
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to be one of a kind when it kicks off on 11 June, as it brings with it a slew of firsts ahead of co-hosts Mexico takin...
Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry says 19 citizens have been repatriated following a deadly drone attack on two cargo ships in the Sea of Azov on 5 June.
A discreet visit to Kyiv by Russian billionaire and businessman Roman Abramovich has reignited debate about the role of unofficial diplomacy in efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
At least 13 people were killed and 14 others wounded after Pakistani airstrikes targeted areas in eastern Afghanistan, according to Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid, marking the latest escalation in tensions between the two neighbours.
U.S. forces say they have completed strikes on Iranian military sites near the Strait of Hormuz. Iran responded with missile attacks on an American base in Jordan, marking a sharp escalation in tensions between the two sides.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's Civil Contract party has won the Armenian elections, picking up nearly half the vote. With a majority in parliament, Pashinyan is set for a third term as Prime Minister. But an opposition politican has said he will challenge the election results.
Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry says 19 citizens have been repatriated following a deadly drone attack on two cargo ships in the Sea of Azov on 5 June.
A Sudanese man has been arrested over a knife attack in Belfast that left a man seriously injured and prompted calls online for a protest after footage of the incident circulated widely on social media.
Barcelona is preparing to mark a historic milestone in the legacy of architect Antoni Gaudí as Pope Leo XIV visits the city this week to inaugurate the Tower of Jesus Christ at the Sagrada Família basilica, almost exactly 100 years after the visionary architect’s death.
Iran and Israel have halted strikes on each other, but Tehran has warned it will recommence attacks if Israel continues military action in Lebanon. U.S. President Donald Trump and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun have meanwhile made pleas for peace.
A discreet visit to Kyiv by Russian billionaire and businessman Roman Abramovich has reignited debate about the role of unofficial diplomacy in efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to be one of a kind when it kicks off on 11 June, as it brings with it a slew of firsts ahead of co-hosts Mexico taking on South Africa in the opening match.
Ukraine has signed a drone cooperation agreement with Latvia, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Tuesday during a meeting with Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs on the sidelines of a summit involving Ukraine and Nordic-Baltic leaders in Tallinn, Estonia.
Iran's FIFA World Cup 2026 squad arrived in Mexico wearing badges bearing the hashtag "168" in memory of victims of the deadly Minab school missile strike, which occurred during the U.S. and Israeli raids on Iran on 28 February, according to the Iran Football Federation.
Chinese President Xi Jinping is wrapping up a two-day state visit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang. It was his first trip to the country since 2019, and a visit that carries more strategic weight than its carefully choreographed ceremonies might suggest.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment