URGENT UPDATE: The Houthis have detained 20 United Nations employees in Sanaa, Yemen, following a raid on a UN facility in the Hada neighborhood on October 19, 2023. This alarming incident has just been confirmed by UN spokesman Jean Alam, who stated that the group includes 5 Yemeni staff and 15 international staff.
The situation is developing rapidly, with negotiations already underway between the United Nations and the Houthis to resolve this serious crisis. Alam emphasized the UN’s commitment to “end the detention of all personnel and restore full control over its facilities in Sanaa.”
In a moment of relief, 11 employees were released after being questioned, but the detention of the remaining staff raises urgent concerns about their safety and the implications for humanitarian efforts in the region.
The United Nations has called for immediate action to secure the freedom of its personnel, highlighting the critical role they play in providing aid in a country devastated by conflict. As the situation evolves, the international community is closely monitoring developments, urging for a swift resolution to ensure the safety of all detained individuals.
Stay tuned for further updates as this situation unfolds. The humanitarian impact of this incident could be significant, affecting vital aid operations in one of the world’s most crisis-stricken areas.
