The United Nations has suspended its operations in the Houthi-controlled governorate of Sa'ada, Yemen, citing escalating security risks. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres made the decision following the detention of eight UN personnel by Houthi authorities, including six from Sa'ada.
Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for Guterres, stated, \"The secretary-general has instructed the agencies, funds and programs of the United Nations, in the absence of the necessary security conditions and guarantees, to pause all operations and programs in Sa'ada governorate, Yemen.\" This temporary measure aims to balance the delivery of humanitarian aid with the safety of UN staff.
The suspension provides time for the UN and the Houthis to negotiate the release of the detained personnel and to establish the required security assurances. Haq emphasized the UN's commitment to continue assisting millions in need across Yemen, adhering to principles of impartiality, neutrality, independence, and humanity.
This development follows previous detentions by the Houthis, who have controlled Sanaa and northern Yemen since late 2014. The ongoing conflict has resulted in one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, with millions of Yemenis dependent on international aid.
