Houthi rebels detain 2 more UN workers, including a woman in critical condition
CAIRO — Houthi rebels, supported by Iran, escalated their actions against the United Nations in Yemen over the weekend by detaining two more U.N. workers, as reported by U.N. officials.
The two female workers from the World Food Program were taken from their residences in Sanaa by Houthi security forces. Their current whereabouts are unknown, according to the officials.
One of the women, who recently endured a premature birth resulting in the loss of her baby, is in critical condition. She is the sister of another U.N. food agency worker who was briefly detained earlier this month. The woman’s brother, suffering from kidney failure, was released by the rebels due to his deteriorating health, the officials added.
The officials, who requested anonymity due to lack of authorization, shared this information.
These detentions are part of a series of alarming incidents prompting the United Nations to reconsider its operations in Yemen. The Houthis have also detained two other individuals and conducted raids on the homes of several U.N. workers in recent days.
The Houthis have targeted U.N. offices multiple times, seizing assets and detaining numerous staff members. Despite the release of some international workers, over 55 U.N. staff are still in Houthi custody, along with employees from non-governmental organizations and diplomatic missions.
As a result of these actions, the U.N. has halted operations in Saada province and relocated its top humanitarian coordinator from Sanaa to Aden. The rebels have accused detained individuals of espionage, a claim vehemently denied by the U.N.
