At Least 11 UN Workers Detained By Houthis Following Sana'a Office Raids

Houthis have raided the offices of the World Food Programme (WFP) and UNICEF in Sana'a, detaining at least 11 United Nations employees. The action comes after an Israeli airstrike killed the Houthi-controlled government's prime minister and several ministers.

Abeer Etefa, spokesperson for the World Food Programme, condemned the detentions, calling them“arbitrary and unacceptable” in an interview with the Associated Press on Sunday, August 31.

UN and Houthi officials confirmed that UNICEF offices were also targeted in the operation. Ammar Ammar, a UNICEF spokesperson, said that the current situation in the Sana'a offices“remains ongoing,” without providing further details.

Another UN official reported that contact has been lost with several other WFP and UNICEF staff members, raising concerns that additional detentions may occur.

Over the past years, the Houthis have repeatedly detained UN personnel, humanitarian workers, civil society activists, and former U.S. embassy staff in Sana'a, exacerbating an already fragile humanitarian situation.

The detentions have drawn international condemnation and are likely to hinder the delivery of critical aid in Yemen, where millions rely on humanitarian support amid ongoing conflict.

Humanitarian agencies have called for the immediate release of all detained staff, emphasizing that safe and unhindered access is essential to prevent further suffering and maintain essential aid operations across the country.

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