- By Shivangi Sharma
- Mon, 01 Sep 2025 07:20 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
In a major escalation of tensions in Yemen, Houthi forces stormed multiple United Nations buildings in the capital, Sanaa, on Sunday, detaining several staff members and seizing UN property. The raids followed Israeli airstrikes late last week that killed Yemeni Prime Minister Ahmed Ghaleb al-Rahawi and other senior officials, an event that has plunged the conflict-ridden nation deeper into turmoil.
According to spokespersons from the World Food Programme (WFP) and UNICEF, armed security forces entered their offices on Sunday morning. At least one WFP staffer and several UNICEF employees were taken into custody. Hans Grundberg, the UN envoy for Yemen, confirmed that at least 11 UN personnel were detained, strongly condemning both the forced entry into UN premises and the arbitrary arrests.
World Food Programme spokesperson Abeer Etefa told the Associated Press that staff members had been detained not only in Sanaa but also in other regions under Houthi control.
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Global Condemnation Of Detentions
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres denounced the Houthis’ actions in the strongest terms. “I reiterate my demand for the immediate and unconditional release of all personnel from the United Nations, international and national NGOs, civil society, and diplomatic missions who have been arbitrarily detained today and in previous years,” he said.
Guterres stressed that humanitarian workers must never be targeted, arrested, or detained while fulfilling their duties. He emphasised that the UN will “continue to work tirelessly” to secure the release of all those unjustly held by the Houthis.
Escalation In Red Sea
The raid on UN buildings comes amid a series of Houthi attacks targeting Israel-linked vessels in the Red Sea. On Sunday, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that a commercial tanker narrowly escaped damage after a projectile landed near it, causing a loud explosion. All crew members were unharmed, and the vessel resumed its voyage.
The Houthis have claimed responsibility for multiple attacks on shipping in recent months. In July, they sank two tankers and vowed to continue targeting vessels as part of their campaign in support of Palestinians and in opposition to Israel’s war in Gaza.
On Saturday, the Houthis confirmed that Israeli strikes had killed Prime Minister al-Rahawi and several other top officials on Thursday.
