Guterres Condemns Houthi Detention of UN Staff in Yemen

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has strongly condemned the arbitrary detention of at least 11 UN staff members in Yemen on Sunday by the de facto Houthi authorities in areas under their control.

He said the Houthis entered the premises of the World Food Programme (WFP) in the capital, Sana’a, and seized UN property, in addition to attempting to enter other UN premises in the city.

The Houthis, also known as Ansar Allah, have been fighting Yemeni government forces, backed by a Saudi-led coalition, for control of the country for over a decade. Since October 2023, they have also targeted Israel and commercial ships in the Red Sea, in solidarity with the Palestinian cause in Gaza.

Mr. Guterres reiterated his demand for the immediate and unconditional release of the detained staff members and all other personnel from the UN, international and national non-governmental organizations, civil society, and diplomatic missions who have been arbitrarily detained, including those held since 2021 and 2023.

“The personnel of the UN and its partners must never be targeted, arrested, or detained while carrying out their duties for the UN,” he said. “The safety and security of UN personnel and property, as well as the inviolability of UN premises, must be guaranteed at all times.”

The Secretary-General added that the UN will continue to work tirelessly to secure the release of the detained staff members and, together with its partners, will continue supporting the people of Yemen in their aspirations for a just and lasting peace.

Meanwhile, the UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, said on Sunday that he was “following with great concern” recent developments in the country, where Houthi-controlled areas have continued to be targeted by Israeli strikes following Ansar Allah attacks against Israel.

Grundberg emphasized that Yemen cannot become a battleground for a broader geopolitical conflict and urged all sides to use available diplomatic channels to de-escalate the situation. He also expressed deep concern over civilian deaths and injuries from recent attacks, noting that several senior Houthi officials and political interlocutors were reportedly killed or injured.

He called on all sides to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure in accordance with international law.