UN Secretary-General António Guterres has issued a forceful condemnation of Yemen’s Houthi authorities following the detention of nine additional UN personnel this week, escalating tensions in the war-torn nation. The detentions bring the total number of UN staff arbitrarily held since 2021 to 53, according to a statement by spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric.
Guterres warned that these actions “severely hinder” the organization’s ability to deliver life-saving aid to millions of Yemenis facing food insecurity and displacement. Over 21 million people rely on humanitarian assistance in Yemen, where a decade of conflict has crippled infrastructure and deepened poverty.
“The secretary-general reiterates his urgent call for the immediate and unconditional release of all detained personnel,” the statement emphasized, stressing that international law mandates the protection of aid workers. The UN did not specify the roles or nationalities of the detained staff.
This escalation comes amid stalled peace negotiations and worsening economic conditions in Houthi-controlled areas. Analysts suggest the detentions could be linked to broader political pressures, as the group seeks leverage in ongoing talks with Yemen’s internationally recognized government.
The UN has operated in Yemen since 2015, coordinating one of the world’s largest humanitarian responses. With over 80% of Yemenis needing assistance, aid groups warn that prolonged staff detentions risk collapsing critical health, nutrition, and education programs.
