Yemen's Houthi Rebels Detain 20 UN Staff in Latest Raid
Yemen's Houthi rebels have detained 20 United Nations (UN) employees, including 15 foreign nationals, following a raid on a UN facility in the capital, Sanaa. The detained staff includes Peter Hawkins, the UNICEF representative in Yemen. This alarming incident marks the second raid on a UN building in Sanaa within 24 hours, and it underscores a long-running crackdown by the Houthis against the UN and other international organizations.
Background and Context
The Houthi movement, an Iranian-backed group, has stepped up its campaign against international agencies in Yemen. This incident follows a raid by the rebels on the UN headquarters in Sanaa the day before. A similar event occurred in August when the rebels stormed UN offices, detaining employees suspected of espionage. The UN and the internationally-recognized Yemeni government are in talks to resolve this critical situation and secure the release of the detained employees.
Key Developments
On the day of the incident, Houthi security forces made an unauthorized entry
into the UN compound, detaining 20 employees. Among those detained was Peter Hawkins, the UNICEF representative in Yemen, as cited by an unnamed UN official. The detainees comprise five Yemenis and 15 international workers.
The Houthis released 11 individuals after questioning them. However, they confiscated all electronic devices, including computers and phones. According to UN spokesman Jean Alam, the militants have previously accused aid workers of spying for the US and Israel, allegations the UN has consistently denied.
Implications and Reactions
The United Nations has demanded the immediate release of its employees. This incident brings the escalating tension between the Houthi rebels and international agencies into sharp focus. It also raises serious concerns about the safety and security of aid workers in the conflict-ridden region.
A Houthi spokesman stated that the UN is in contact with the authorities in Sanaa and the Yemeni government to resolve the incident as soon as possible and regain control over its facilities.
Current Status
As of now, 20 UN employees remain in detention by the Houthi rebels. The UN and the Yemeni government are striving to negotiate their release and restore normal operations. The current situation underscores the complexity and volatility of Yemen's ongoing conflict, highlighting the need for a peaceful resolution.