The Iranian-backed Houthi rebels raided a UN facility in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, a UN official says. All staff are reported to be safe.
Jean Alam, a spokesman for the UN resident coordinator for Yemen, says Houthi security forces entered the UN compound in Sanaa earlier today.
He tells The Associated Press there were 15 UN international staff members in the facility at the time of the raid, and that “according to latest information all staff in the compound are safe and accounted for and have contacted their families.”
The rebels raided UN offices in Sanaa on August 31 and detained 19 employees, according to the UN. They later released the deputy director of the UNICEF office in the country.
“The United Nations is taking all necessary measures and is in contact with the relevant authorities and counterparts to ensure the safety and security of all personnel and property,” Alam says.
Another UN official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the raid, says the building is operated by the UN.
The employees belong to multiple UN agencies, including the World Food Program, UNICEF and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, says the official.
On Thursday, the rebels’ leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi accused the UN in a speech of working against the group.
Nurit Yohanan contributed to this report.
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