Two UN Employees Detained in Sana'a

The spokesperson for the United Nations has reported the detention of a contractor for the organization in Yemen, but has not confirmed their nationality. On Saturday, November 9, AFP quoted Farhan Haq, the UN spokesperson, stating that the organization's security department is investigating the matter. Simultaneously, the U.S. State Department announced that it is reviewing reports regarding the detention of two American citizens in Sana'a, the capital of Yemen. Sana'a is under the control of the Shiite Houthi militants, who are affiliated with the Islamic Republic. The U.S. State Department has refrained from providing further details on the matter, citing the need to protect individuals' privacy, but described the protection of American citizens abroad as one of its 'top priorities.' The United Nations is attempting to bring the Houthis and the government of Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi to peace talks. The international community recognizes Mr. Hadi's government as the legitimate government of Yemen, but Iran supports the Houthis. An international military coalition led by Saudi Arabia has been targeting the Houthis and their allies for months with the aim of restoring power to this government. On Saturday, Adel al-Jubeir, the Saudi Foreign Minister, stated that the war in Yemen has reached its 'final stage.'