Reports indicate that at least nine Yemeni employees of United Nations agencies have been detained by Yemen's Houthi rebels under unclear circumstances. The detentions have raised concerns as the rebels face increasing financial pressure and airstrikes from a U.S.-led coalition. It is believed that other aid group workers have also been taken into custody.
The Houthis, who have been in conflict with a Saudi-led coalition for years, have recently intensified their actions, including targeting shipping in the Red Sea corridor amid the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. The group has also been criticized for cracking down on dissent internally, with recent reports of 44 people being sentenced to death.
Regional officials have confirmed the U.N. detentions, which include staff from various U.N. agencies such as the human rights agency, development program, World Food Program, and the office of the special envoy. The Mayyun Organization for Human Rights has condemned the detentions, calling them a violation of international law.
Activists and others have called for the immediate release of those detained, warning that such actions could further isolate Yemen from the international community. The reasons behind the detentions remain unclear, but it is speculated that the Houthis are facing economic challenges, as evidenced by their introduction of a new coin into the Yemeni currency.
The conflict in Yemen has already claimed over 150,000 lives and created a severe humanitarian crisis. The Houthis' actions, including detentions and attacks on shipping, have drawn international criticism. The U.S. is reportedly planning to increase economic pressure on the rebels by blocking their revenue sources.
The Houthis have a history of detaining U.N. staffers, with four others still held captive. The group's actions have been described as a disregard for the rule of law by the U.N.'s human rights agency. The conflict in Yemen continues to escalate, with fears of further economic collapse and humanitarian suffering.
