Security forces in Yemen’s capital have conducted raids on United Nations offices, detaining at least eleven staff members in what UN officials describe as arbitrary detentions. The operations targeted facilities belonging to the World Food Programme, UNICEF, and the World Health Organization in Sana’a on Sunday.
A senior UN representative condemned the forced entry into UN premises and seizure of property, demanding the immediate and unconditional release of all detained personnel. Agency spokespersons confirmed they were conducting comprehensive headcounts of their employees across Houthi-controlled territories.
This security crackdown follows recent Israeli strikes that killed several high-ranking Houthi officials, including the group’s prime minister. The incident represents an escalation in tensions between the Iran-aligned movement and international organizations operating in Yemen.
The Houthi leadership has characterized recent military actions as part of an ongoing and escalating campaign against Israeli interests. The group has maintained its position regarding naval blockades and attacks on merchant shipping connected to Israeli ports.
These detentions continue a pattern of restrictions against international aid operations in northern Yemen. Previous UN suspensions of operations in the Saada region followed similar detentions of humanitarian staff earlier this year.
