The United Nations announced Friday, January 24, 2025, that Iran-backed Houthis, labeled as terrorists internationally, detained several UN employees in their territories on Thursday.
The UN has suspended all movements in Houthi-controlled regions until further notice, demanding the immediate and unconditional release of their staff and partners.
In June of last year, the Houthis arrested 13 Yemeni UN employees and many from international humanitarian organizations. Reports indicate around 70 people were detained.
Houthis accuse these detainees of espionage for the United States, often extracting confessions under duress and broadcasting them via their media.