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United Nations

UN Agencies Raided in Yemen as Tensions Rise

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Raiders from the Iran-backed Houthis targeted offices of the United Nations' food, health, and children's agencies in Yemen's capital Sanaa, detaining at least 11 UN employees. The attack follows the killing of the Houthi prime minister and several cabinet members in an Israeli strike on Thursday. The raids are the latest in a long-running Houthi crackdown against the UN and other international organizations working in rebel-held areas in Yemen.

Key Takeaways:

  • At least 11 UN employees were detained during the raids on Sunday.
  • The offices of the World Food Program, World Health Organization, and UNICEF were raided.
  • Ammar Ammar, a spokesperson for UNICEF, stated that some agency staff were detained, and UNICEF is seeking additional information from the Houthis.
  • UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the detentions and called for the immediate and unconditional release of the personnel.
  • The raids are part of a long-running Houthi crackdown against the UN and other international organizations.
  • The UN suspended operations in the Houthi stronghold of Saada in northern Yemen after rebels detained eight UN staffers in January.
  • The attack follows the killing of the Houthi prime minister and several cabinet members in an Israeli strike on Thursday.

Statistics:

  • At least 11 UN employees were detained during the raids.
  • Dozens of UN staffers, aid group workers, civil society members, and U.S. Embassy staff have been detained by the Houthis.
  • Eight UN staffers were detained in the Houthi stronghold of Saada in January.
  • The attack on the Houthi prime minister and cabinet members resulted in the deaths of Prime Minister Ahmed al-Rahawi, Foreign Minister Gamal Amer, Deputy Prime Minister Mohammed al-Medani, Electricity Minister Ali Seif Hassan, Tourism Minister Ali al-Yafei, and Information Minister Hashim Sharafuldin.

Sources:

  • The Associated Press
  • Abeer Etefa, spokesperson for the World Food Program
  • Ammar Ammar, spokesperson for UNICEF
  • UN Secretary-General António Guterres
  • Houthi officials (speaking on condition of anonymity)

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