Saleh Al-Saqqaf, Director of the Planning and International Cooperation Office in Marib, has called on the United Nations and international agencies to relocate their main offices to liberated areas, including Marib, to ensure a safe environment for humanitarian operations.

Al-Saqqaf’s remarks, in an exclusive statement to  Barran Press, followed U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to designate the Iran-backed Houthis as a "Foreign Terrorist Organization" and the United Nations' suspension of activities in Houthi-controlled areas due to the abduction of UN staff.

Condemning the Houthis’ actions, Al-Saqqaf described the kidnapping of UN employees as a "blatant violation of international humanitarian law and a direct threat to the lives and safety of humanitarian workers."

He emphasized the Yemeni government’s longstanding calls for international organizations to move their headquarters to Aden, the temporary capital, or other secure areas like Marib. He highlighted Marib’s suitability for humanitarian work, citing its significant displaced population and the local authorities’ readiness to facilitate and support international efforts.

The call comes in the wake of President Trump’s announcement to classify the Houthis as a terrorist organization, with the White House affirming its commitment to work with regional partners to dismantle Houthi operations.

The UN, meanwhile, has reported multiple arrests of its staff by the Houthis, prompting the suspension of official movements within and to Houthi-controlled areas. Reports indicate that the Houthis have detained approximately 70 individuals, including 13 Yemeni UN employees, accusing aid workers of espionage and coercing confessions under duress.