(MENAFN) The United Nations (UN) announced on Wednesday that 12 of its international employees, who had been confined within a UN facility in Yemen, have left the capital city, Sanaa, aboard a UN Humanitarian Air Service aircraft.

According to a statement from the UN spokesperson’s office, "Earlier today, 12 UN international staff who were amongst those previously held in the UN compound in Yemen departed Sana'a on a UN Humanitarian Air Service flight. Three other staff who were detained in the compound are free to move or travel."

Nevertheless, the UN reported that "53 UN colleagues remain arbitrarily detained by the de facto authorities," along with individuals affiliated with non-governmental bodies, civil society groups, and diplomatic missions.

"The UN, at all levels, continues to be seized with the matter and is in constant contact with the relevant authorities in Sana’a and with concerned Member States and partners to secure their release," the statement continued.

The UN once again echoed Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ demand for the "immediate and unconditional release" of all humanitarian personnel currently detained by the Houthis.

This announcement comes in the aftermath of an event last week, when Houthi forces raided a UN residential facility in Sanaa and apprehended several UN employees.

Yemen remains trapped in one of the most severe humanitarian and economic catastrophes worldwide, exacerbated by nearly ten years of ongoing conflict between government troops and the Houthi movement.

MENAFN23102025000045017167ID1110236260