Yemen’s conflict has once again drawn global attention after a sharp statement from the Houthi-run Foreign Ministry. The ministry declared that the legal protections given to United Nations (UN) officials must not be used as a cover for espionage. This came after a wave of detentions involving UN staff members in the capital city, Sanaa.
Detentions of United Nations Staff in Sanaa
According to reports, Houthi forces detained at least 18 United Nations personnel during raids in Sanaa. The UN confirmed that its premises in Sanaa were raided, and several of its staff members were taken into custody. These incidents highlight the ongoing tensions between the Houthis and international organizations working in Yemen.
UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric explained that offices of UNICEF and the World Food Programme remain under Houthi control following the raids in Sanaa. He repeated calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all detained UN personnel. Dujarric also confirmed that Houthi forces had broken into the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) complex in Sanaa, raising further concerns about the safety of UN facilities.
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The spokesperson stressed the need to protect UN staff and property, saying that international agreements guarantee their safety and security.
Houthi Ministry’s Strong Accusations in Sanaa
The Houthi-run Foreign Ministry accused the United Nations of showing bias in its response to recent events. According to Saba news agency, the ministry claimed that while the UN condemned what it called “legal measures against spy cells,” it remained silent on Israeli airstrikes. The Houthis see this as an example of unfair treatment by international bodies.
The ministry added that it respected the 1946 Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations. This agreement gives UN staff certain legal protections when they are working in foreign countries. However, the ministry insisted that no one should use these protections to shield espionage activities or those accused of such actions.
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These statements came shortly after an Israeli strike killed the prime minister of the Houthi-run administration in Sanaa along with several ministers. The attack has added further tension to an already fragile situation in Yemen.
The Houthis argue that their detentions are lawful actions aimed at stopping what they describe as espionage. They maintain that while they recognize the rights of UN staff, they will not allow anyone to use those rights as a shield for spying.
Background of Ongoing Tensions in Yemen
Yemen’s long-running conflict provides the context for the current situation. Since 2014, a Houthi administration has controlled Sanaa, while a Saudi-backed government has ruled from Aden. This division has led to years of violence, humanitarian crises, and political disputes.
The Houthis have repeatedly clashed with international organizations over the years. Before the latest detentions, Houthi forces were already holding 23 United Nations staff members, some since as early as 2021. In February, another UN staff member reportedly died while in Houthi custody in Sanaa, raising alarm within the international community.
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The repeated detentions of UN personnel have complicated humanitarian efforts in the country. The United Nations plays a major role in providing aid to Yemen’s population, which continues to suffer from food shortages, poverty, and lack of medical care. With several offices under Houthi control in Sanaa, aid delivery and development projects have faced significant disruption.
The Houthis insist that they aim their actions at protecting national security, especially as foreign powers increase military pressure. Meanwhile, the United Nations maintains that its staff must be free to carry out humanitarian work without interference or fear of arrest.