Houthi Forces in Yemen Detain Several UN Staff and Aid Workers

On Friday, June 8, the UN spokesperson stated that Houthi forces have detained 11 aid personnel from the organization in Yemen over the past three days. Stephane Dujarric emphasized that the organization is seeking the safe and unconditional release of these aid workers as soon as possible. He added that the United Nations is very concerned about this incident and is looking for clarification from the Houthis regarding the reasons for the detention of these Yemeni staff members. According to the report, the 11 individuals include two women and nine men who work for five different UN agencies and the UN representative for Yemen. Stephane Dujarric also stated, 'We are using all available channels to ensure the safe and unconditional release of all these personnel as soon as possible.' He stressed that the UN is also calling for access to these detained staff in Yemen. Yemeni government officials told Reuters that during a raid by the security forces of the Iranian-backed Houthi militants, nine UN employees, three employees of the National Democratic Institute (NDI), and three employees of a local human rights group were detained. The report indicates that the Houthi security forces raided the homes and offices of these individuals, seizing their phones and computers. The Iranian-backed Houthi militants, who control the capital of Yemen and most of the country's populous areas, have recently begun attacking ships linked to Israel in the Red Sea, claiming to support the Palestinian people against Israeli attacks. The scope of these attacks has since expanded to other vessels.