12 UN Staff Leave Yemen After Houthi Detention Amid Ongoing Crisis

Twelve international United Nations staff members detained by the Houthi group in the Yemeni capital, Sana'a, were released and flew out on a UN humanitarian flight. The Houthis had stormed a UN compound, detaining both local and international employees, an action described by the UN as a serious breach of diplomatic immunity and international norms. While 12 international staff have been freed, 53 other UN workers remain arbitrarily detained by the Houthis, who accuse them of spying for the US and Israel, allegations the UN denies. The detentions and restrictions imposed by the Houthis have severely hampered humanitarian operations amid Yemen's ongoing crisis, where over two-thirds of the population depends on international aid. The situation has worsened since the start of the Gaza war, with increased targeting and arrests of aid workers by the Houthis. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for the immediate and unconditional release of all detained personnel, highlighting the critical need to protect humanitarian workers in Yemen.