UN Suspends Travel to Houthi-Controlled Areas in Yemen

The United Nations suspended all travel to areas controlled by the Houthis in Yemen starting Friday, February 5, following the detention of seven more of its staff by the Houthi group. The Houthis, who are supported by the Islamic Republic of Iran, had previously detained UN personnel, individuals associated with the former US embassy in Sana'a, and members of aid groups. According to the Associated Press, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres issued a statement calling for the immediate and unconditional release of these seven and other detained staff. He emphasized that 'ongoing arbitrary detentions are unacceptable' and warned that these actions severely impact the UN's ability to assist millions in need in Yemen. Prior to these seven, the Houthis had detained at least 16 Yemeni UN staff members. The Houthis have controlled Sana'a since 2014 and are engaged in conflict with a coalition led by Saudi Arabia and the legitimate Yemeni government. The Yemen war, which has lasted over a decade, has claimed more than 150,000 lives and created one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world. Thousands have been imprisoned by the Houthis, with detainees subjected to severe torture, including acid attacks and beatings. The group has also used children as soldiers and extensively laid mines. On February 4, US President Donald Trump announced through an executive order that the process to designate Yemen's 'Ansar Allah', known as the Houthis, as a foreign terrorist organization had begun. Under this order, the US Secretary of State is required to provide a report on this matter to the President within 30 days, after which necessary actions will be taken to officially designate the group as a terrorist organization. Britain has warned about radio disruptions to ships by the IRGC. Trump stated that the Houthis will be added to the list of foreign terrorist organizations. Israel welcomed the US decision regarding the Houthis. The legitimate Yemeni government called for serious Western action against the Houthis. The Houthis claimed they only attack 'Israeli-related' ships. The US ambassador to China urged Beijing to reconsider its relations with the Iranian government. Israeli attacks on Houthi positions were described by Katz as a clear message to Abdul-Malik al-Houthi.