Barran Press
The Houthi group, designated as a terrorist organization by several countries and backed by Iran, has imposed a travel ban on all foreign staff working for international and UN organizations based in Sana'a, according to informed sources.
The sources revealed on Monday, August 5th, 2024, that the travel ban will remain in effect until further notice. The ban was announced by journalist Faris Alhemyari, a correspondent for the Chinese news agency Xinhua in Yemen, via a post on the social media platform X, seen by "Barran Press".
Alhemyari noted that the travel ban coincides with the Houthis' request for all officials and staff of international and UN organizations to attend a meeting in Sana'a with the so-called "Supreme Council for the Management and Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and International Cooperation (SCMISHA)," a Houthi-affiliated body.
Alhemyari stated that he obtained an internal UN document from a diplomatic source confirming that SCMISHA has summoned all UN staff in Sana'a to a meeting at an external location.
The document highlights that the UN's security management system requires a review of the location, security arrangements, participant safety, and safety protocols for UN staff to attend meetings at external locations.
The document further mentions that the UN's DSS team in Sana'a is currently engaged in discussions with SCMISHA regarding this matter.
Since early June, the Houthi group has been conducting a wave of arrests targeting dozens of staff members from UN agencies, international organizations, and foreign embassies in Sana'a.
On June 24th, 2024, Ahmed Arman, the Minister of Human Rights and Legal Affairs, stated that the number of detainees exceeded 70, including staff from UN agencies, international and local organizations, and five women.
The internationally recognized Yemeni government has repeatedly urged UN agencies and international organizations to relocate their headquarters to Aden, the temporary capital of Yemen, during meetings with UN officials. This call comes amidst the increasing arrests of aid and humanitarian workers in Sana'a and Houthi-controlled areas.