The U.S. government condemned the death of Ahmed Baalawi, a World Food Programme (WFP) employee, in a Houthi-controlled prison in Saada, Yemen. In a statement released Thursday, February 13, 2025, the State Department expressed solidarity with the UN in condemning Baalawi's death and highlighted the Houthis' detention of humanitarian workers, NGO staff, and diplomats.

The U.S. supports the UN's suspension of aid operations in Saada and calls for the release of all unlawfully detained individuals.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned Baalawi's death on February 11, offering condolences to his family and calling for an immediate and transparent investigation. The WFP also confirmed Baalawi's death in custody. The suspension of UN operations in Saada followed the detention of additional UN staff by the Houthis, as reported by Reuters, according to UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq.