Houthi security forces on Sunday raided United Nations agency offices in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, detaining at least 11 UN employees after an Israeli strike days earlier killed the group’s prime minister and several ministers, according to UN and Houthi officials.
Key Takeaways
- Armed Houthi forces entered offices of the World Food Program (WFP), the World Health Organization (WHO), and UNICEF in Sanaa on Sunday and detained staff.
- The UN said at least 11 personnel were in custody; WFP and UNICEF began headcounts in Sanaa and other Houthi-held areas.
- UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the detentions, forced entry into WFP premises, and seizure of UN property, demanding immediate release.
- The raids followed a Thursday Israeli strike in Sanaa that killed Houthi-appointed Prime Minister Ahmed al-Rahawi and multiple ministers, per Houthi officials and families.
- Previous clampdowns included detentions of dozens linked to UN and aid groups; the UN suspended operations in Saada after eight staff were held in January.
- Houthi leader Abdel-Malik al-Houthi vowed continued escalation against Israel and shipping tied to Israeli ports, heightening regional risk.
- A public funeral for slain officials is scheduled Monday at Sabeen Square in central Sanaa.
Verified Facts
Spokespersons for WFP and UNICEF confirmed their Sanaa offices were raided on Sunday morning and that some staff were taken into custody. Both agencies said they launched comprehensive headcounts to verify who was affected in Sanaa and elsewhere under Houthi control.
The UN stated that at least 11 personnel had been detained and cited forced entry into WFP premises as well as the seizure of UN property. UNICEF noted that it was seeking more information from Houthi authorities about the detained staff.
The raids come amid tightened security across the capital following a Thursday Israeli strike in Sanaa that killed Prime Minister Ahmed al-Rahawi and several Cabinet members, according to two Houthi officials and the victims’ families. The Houthis said those targeted were attending a routine government workshop. A funeral is planned for Monday in Sabeen Square.
Among those reported killed were Foreign Minister Gamal Amer, Deputy Prime Minister and Local Development Minister Mohammed al-Medani, Electricity Minister Ali Seif Hassan, Tourism Minister Ali al-Yafei, Information Minister Hashim Sharafuldin, and Deputy Interior Minister Abdel-Majed al-Murtada. Defense Minister Mohamed Nasser al-Attefi survived, while Interior Minister Abdel-Karim al-Houthi did not attend the meeting, according to Houthi officials.
Context and Impact
UN premises are generally considered inviolable under international norms, and interference with UN property and personnel can jeopardize lifesaving aid in Yemen, where millions rely on assistance. Any prolonged detentions risk further curtailing humanitarian operations.
Regional tensions remain elevated. On Aug. 21, the Houthis launched a ballistic missile at Israel that Israeli authorities described as carrying cluster munitions; air raid sirens sounded across central Israel and Jerusalem. In July, the group vowed to target merchant vessels of companies doing business with Israeli ports, signaling sustained risk to Red Sea shipping.
UN envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg urged de-escalation, warning Yemen cannot become a battleground for wider geopolitical confrontation. Aid agencies fear a chilling effect on staff safety, access negotiations, and the continuity of programs in Houthi-controlled areas.
Timeline: Recent Flashpoints
- July: Houthis threaten to target ships tied to companies trading with Israeli ports.
- Aug. 21: Houthis fire a ballistic missile toward Israel; Israeli authorities say it carried cluster munitions.
- Thursday: Israeli strike in Sanaa kills Houthi-appointed prime minister and ministers, per Houthi officials and families.
- Sunday: Houthi forces raid UN agency offices in Sanaa; at least 11 UN personnel detained.
- Monday (scheduled): Public funeral at Sabeen Square, Sanaa.
Official Statements
We call for the immediate and unconditional release of detained UN personnel and respect for UN premises and property.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres
Unconfirmed
- The precise legal basis cited by Houthi authorities for the detentions.
- The full breakdown of detainees by agency beyond the UN’s minimum count of 11.
- The current locations and conditions of all detained staff.
- Whether WHO facilities were entered in the same manner as WFP’s forced entry.
- Independent verification of all casualty details from Thursday’s strike is limited to Houthi officials and affected families.
Bottom Line
The Houthi raids on UN offices mark a serious escalation that threatens humanitarian access in Yemen. With at least 11 UN staff detained and tensions already high after an Israeli strike killed top Houthi officials, aid operations and regional stability face renewed risks.
Rapid de-escalation, respect for UN protections, and the immediate release of detained personnel will be critical to prevent wider disruption to lifesaving assistance.