Houthis Raid U.N. Offices in Yemen
CAIRO (AP) — On Sunday, Iran-backed Houthis stormed offices of the United Nations’ food, health, and children’s agencies in Yemen’s capital, leading to the detention of 11 U.N. employees, according to officials. Following the recent Israeli strike that killed their prime minister and several ministers, the rebels intensified security measures across Sanaa.
Details of the Raids
Abeer Etefa, a spokesperson for the World Food Program, informed The Associated Press that security forces conducted a raid on the agencies’ offices in the Houthi-controlled city on Sunday morning. Additionally, the World Health Organization and UNICEF offices were also targeted, as confirmed by a U.N. official and a Houthi representative who requested anonymity.
The armed forces reportedly interrogated employees in the parking area. Ammar Ammar, UNICEF’s spokesperson, stated that several staff members were detained, and the agency is seeking further information from the Houthis.
U.N. Response and Concerns
Both Etefa and Ammar indicated that their organizations are undertaking “a comprehensive head count” of their personnel in Sanaa and other areas controlled by the Houthis. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the detentions and the “forced entry into the premises of the World Food Program,” and called for the immediate and unconditional release of the detained employees.
Ongoing Repression against U.N. and Aid Groups
These raids are part of a prolonged Houthi crackdown on U.N. and other international organizations operating in rebel-held territories. The Houthis have detained numerous U.N. staff, as well as individuals linked to aid organizations and the now-defunct U.S. Embassy in Sanaa. Reacting to the detentions, the U.N. previously suspended its operations in the Houthi stronghold of Saada after eight staff members were detained in January.
Implications of Recent Israeli Strike
The Sunday raids followed the killing of Houthi Prime Minister Ahmed al-Rahawi and several cabinet ministers in an Israeli airstrike on Thursday. This was a significant blow to the Iran-backed rebels, who have been conducting attacks against Israel and ships in the Red Sea amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
Future Houthi Actions and Concerns
The Houthis are expected to intensify their assaults on Israel and Red Sea vessels, pledging to target any merchant ships associated with Israeli ports, regardless of their nationality. Al-Houthi, the group’s leader, stated in a televised address that their military strategy will continue to escalate, affecting Israeli enemies through various means.
