The United Nations announced on Monday the suspension of its humanitarian operations in the stronghold of Yemen’s Houthi rebels due to the recent detention of eight additional U.N. staff members, further complicating the response to one of the world’s most critical humanitarian crises.
In its announcement, the U.N. characterized the decision to halt all activities and programs in northern Saada province as “extraordinary,” highlighting the absence of “necessary security conditions and guarantees.”
In recent months, the Houthis have apprehended several U.N. personnel, as well as individuals associated with aid organizations, civil society, and the previously functioning U.S. Embassy in Sanaa, Yemen’s capital.
A spokesperson for the Houthis has not yet responded to requests for comments.
The U.N. stated that the suspension of operations is intended to allow both the Houthis and the organization time to “facilitate the release of arbitrarily detained U.N. staff and ensure that essential conditions are established for delivering critical humanitarian aid” in areas under rebel control.
The most recent group of detained U.N. staff consists of six individuals working in Saada, which is situated on Yemen’s northern border with Saudi Arabia, impacting the U.N.’s operational capabilities.
Last month, the U.N. also ceased all travel to regions controlled by the Houthis. The ongoing conflict in Yemen has led to over 150,000 fatalities, including both combatants and civilians.
Since 2014, the Iranian-backed Houthis have been in conflict with Yemen’s internationally recognized government, which is supported by a Saudi-led coalition, following their takeover of Sanaa and much of the northern territory.
