UN Staff Confined in Yemen Compound After Houthi Incursion Amid Ongoing Detentions

Fifteen international United Nations staff members remain confined within the U.N. compound in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, following an incursion by Houthi authorities over the weekend, U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric confirmed on Monday. The staff are now allowed to move freely within the compound and have reestablished communication with their families and relevant U.N. agencies. Dujarric expressed hope that they will be permitted to leave the premises soon.

The incident also involved five Yemeni U.N. staff members who were detained temporarily but have since been released. Despite these developments, another 53 U.N. employees continue to be arbitrarily detained by the Houthi group—some since 2021. This prolonged detention underscores the growing risks faced by humanitarian workers operating in conflict zones.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has been actively engaging in diplomatic efforts, speaking with the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Oman to address the situation and advocate for the release of the detained staff. The U.N. continues to call for the protection of its personnel and the upholding of international humanitarian laws.

The Iran-aligned Houthi movement, which has controlled most of Yemen, including Sanaa, since its 2014–2015 takeover, has previously accused U.N. staff of espionage—claims the organization firmly rejects. Dujarric described such allegations as “extremely worrying” and warned that labeling humanitarian workers as spies or terrorists places their lives at greater risk.

The United Nations remains committed to ensuring the safety and freedom of its staff while continuing its humanitarian operations in Yemen, a country enduring one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. The U.N. has repeatedly urged the Houthis to respect international norms and release all detained personnel immediately.