Houthi Rebels Detain Nine UN Employees in Ongoing Crackdown

Cairo, Oct 7 (AP) Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have detained nine United Nations employees as part of an ongoing crackdown on the organization, according to a recent statement from the UN. This latest development raises the total number of UN workers detained in Houthi-controlled areas to 53 since 2021, said UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric.

Details regarding the circumstances or timing of these latest detentions remain undisclosed. Dujarric expressed concern, stating this crackdown has significantly hindered "the UN's ability to operate in Yemen and provide essential aid" to its citizens, as the country ranks among the poorest in the Arab world.

He further stressed the need for "the immediate and unconditional release" of all detained UN staff, as well as other workers from international organizations and diplomatic missions held by the rebels. He emphasized, “They must be respected and protected in accordance with applicable international law.”

Efforts to obtain a comment from a spokesman for the rebels have been unsuccessful. The rebels have previously justified their actions by claiming the UN and other international entities may be linked to a suspected espionage network.

In August, the rebels conducted a raid on UN offices in the capital, Sanaa, detaining 19 employees, as reported by the UN. Among those detained was Lana Shukri Kataw, the deputy director of UNICEF in Yemen, who was later released.

This raid marks another chapter in a protracted Houthi campaign against the UN and other international organizations operating within rebel-held territories. The situation has compelled the UN to halt its operations in the Houthi stronghold of Saada province in northern Yemen after eight staff members were detained in January.

Consequently, the UN moved its top humanitarian coordinator in Yemen from Sanaa to Aden, which serves as the base for the internationally recognized government.

Yemen's descent into civil war started in 2014 when the Houthis captured Sanaa and much of northern Yemen, leading to the internationally recognized government going into exile.

In response, a coalition led by Saudi Arabia and involving the United Arab Emirates intervened in 2015 to reinstate the government. The war has reached a stalemate in recent years, with the rebels striking a deal with Saudi Arabia to halt their attacks on the kingdom in exchange for the cessation of Saudi-led strikes on Houthi territories.

Meanwhile, the rebels are embroiled in retaliatory attacks with Israel over the ongoing conflict in Gaza. They have also targeted ships in the Red Sea off the coast of Yemen, accusing them of links to Israel.

In retaliation, Israel has previously carried out airstrikes following the Houthis' missile and drone attacks directed at it. (AP) SKS SKS

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