Several U.N. agencies and international humanitarian organizations have jointly appealed to Yemen's Houthi rebels for the immediate release of 17 staff members who were recently detained. The appeal comes amidst a crackdown by the Iranian-backed group, with many others also being held incommunicado.
The Houthis claimed to have arrested members of an alleged 'American-Israeli spy network' and subsequently detained U.N. and aid organization staffers. The detainees were accused of continuing their activities under the guise of international and U.N. organizations after the closure of the U.S. Embassy in Sanaa in 2015.
The heads of the U.N. and aid organizations have called the detentions 'unprecedented' and demanded the release of all those held. They emphasized the need for the Houthis to confirm the whereabouts of the detainees and grant immediate access, in accordance with international humanitarian law.
Expressing grave concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Yemen, a statement from U.N. member nations condemned the detentions and demanded the release of all those held since June 7. The countries also called for unimpeded access for humanitarian workers to deliver aid in Yemen.
The conflict in Yemen has been ongoing since 2014, with the Houthis engaged in a civil war against the internationally recognized government, supported by a Saudi-led coalition. The U.N. envoy for Yemen urged for the release of the detained U.N. personnel and emphasized the need for a mediated solution to the conflict.
Amidst the detentions, the Houthis have been targeting shipping in the Red Sea corridor and facing financial pressure. The group has also intensified its crackdown on dissent, including sentencing 45 individuals to death, a move opposed by the United Nations.
The reasons behind the recent detentions remain unclear, with former U.S. Embassy employees also being held by the Houthis. The situation underscores the challenges faced by humanitarian workers and the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Yemen.
