The United Nations has suspended all travel into regions controlled by Yemen’s Houthi rebels following the detention of seven additional UN staff members by the group. The move underscores escalating tensions in areas held by the Iranian-backed Houthis, who have been embroiled in Yemen’s civil war since 2015.
“Yesterday, the de facto authorities in Sanaa detained additional UN personnel working in areas under their control,” the UN said in a statement. “To ensure the security and safety of all its staff, the United Nations has suspended all official movements into and within areas under the de facto authorities’ control.”
Ongoing Detentions Raise Concerns
The recent detentions bring the total number of UN staff held by the Houthis to 16. The group has also detained individuals associated with the former U.S. Embassy in Sanaa and various aid organizations. According to the UN, these arbitrary detentions severely impact humanitarian operations, which are crucial for Yemen’s struggling population.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres called the detentions “unacceptable,” warning that they hinder the organization’s ability to deliver essential aid to millions. “The continued targeting of UN personnel and its partners negatively impacts our ability to assist millions of people in need in Yemen,” Guterres said in a statement.
Humanitarian Operations at Risk
The UN’s suspension of travel comes as aid workers provide food, medicine, and other necessities to a country facing one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. Yemen’s prolonged conflict has killed over 150,000 people and left tens of thousands more dead due to famine and disease.
The Houthis have faced criticism for targeting individuals with Western ties, airing propaganda that accuses detainees of collaborating with foreign intelligence agencies. In June, the UN reported that 11 Yemeni employees had been detained under unclear circumstances, and several dozen aid workers from other organizations are also reportedly being held.
Political and Military Tensions
The Houthis’ detentions coincide with broader efforts to manage regional tensions. This week, the rebels announced a de-escalation of attacks on shipping in the Red Sea corridor and released the 25-member crew of the Galaxy Leader, a ship they had seized in November 2023.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated plans to reinstate a terrorism designation for the Houthis, a move originally made during his presidency but later revoked by President Joe Biden.
As Yemen’s civil war continues, the Houthis face mounting casualties and damage from U.S.-led airstrikes, alongside growing pressure to end arbitrary detentions and uphold agreements critical to maintaining regional stability.
