UN staff member detained after Houthis raided offices in Sanaa, UN spokesperson says

Another United Nations staff member has been detained in Yemen, bringing the number of the world body’s employees apprehended in recent days to six, a UN spokesperson says.

The latest detention comes after Houthi security forces entered several United Nations offices in Sanaa, Yemen, on Sunday, says Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN secretary general.

He adds that the Houthis confiscated IT and communication equipment and assets.

At least 59 UN personnel are being held by Houthis, according to Dujarric, who condemns the continued detentions. Some have been held for years, the UN says.

There are hundreds of UN personnel remaining in parts of Houthi-controlled Yemen, including a small number of international staff, says Farhan Haq, deputy spokesperson for the UN secretary general.

“Our immediate priority is the safety and well-being of all UN personnel, including securing the release of colleagues who have been arbitrarily detained and those of our local partners who have also been affected, and prevent further detentions,” Haq says.