Houthis detain 11 UN staff members

The Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen continue their actions in the region. UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in a statement today that the Houthis have detained a group of aid workers, including 11 UN employees. Dujarric stated, “We are pursuing all available channels to ensure their safe and unconditional release as quickly as possible.”

In a statement issued by the Mayyun Organization for Human Rights in Yemen, it was reported that at least 18 Yemeni aid personnel were abducted in 4 regions of the country. The statement noted that the abductions were carried out simultaneously in the capital Sana'a, as well as the cities of Hodeida, Amran, and Saada.

Human Rights Watch reported that the Houthis are detaining the workers based on their employment and that the whereabouts of many are unknown. The organization's statement noted that those abducted include a woman working in Yemen, her husband, and their 9-month-old and 3-year-old children.