What led to the departure of 12 UN staff from Yemen?
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Synopsis
Discover the complex situation surrounding the recent release of twelve detained UN staff in Yemen. As tensions escalate, the Houthis' actions raise critical questions about international relations and humanitarian efforts. The UN's calls for the release of remaining personnel highlight the ongoing challenges faced by international organizations in conflict zones.
Key Takeaways
- Twelve UN staff released after detention by Houthis.
- 53 UN colleagues still held in Yemen.
- UN Secretary-General calls for immediate release of detained staff.
- Accusations against UN personnel lack evidence.
- Regional tensions linked to Gaza conflict.
Sanaa, Oct 23 (NationPress) A total of twelve United Nations international personnel who were held by the Houthis in Yemen's capital, Sanaa, have been released and evacuated from the country, according to a statement from the office of UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg.
Additionally, three other UN employees who were also detained are now free to travel, as per the statement released on Wednesday.
An eyewitness from the airport reported seeing a UN plane departing from Sanaa airport on Wednesday morning.
Despite this release, the statement highlighted that 53 UN colleagues are still being held arbitrarily by the Houthi authorities, renewing the UN Secretary-General's demand for their immediate and unconditional release, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
The statement did not clarify if the confiscated phones and laptops were returned to the UN staff.
Prior to the release, a statement from the UN envoy's office indicated that all belongings of the UN staff had been seized.
Last weekend, the Houthis had stormed the UN compound in Sanaa, detaining 20 staff members, including 15 foreigners.
Five Yemeni nationals were released on Sunday.
This incident followed accusations from Houthi leader Abdulmalik al-Houthi in a televised address, claiming that UN staff were collaborating with Israel in connection with deadly airstrikes in August that resulted in the deaths of several senior Houthi officials, including the group's chief of staff, Mohammed al-Gumari.
However, the Houthi leader did not provide any evidence to support these claims.
Israel asserted that the airstrikes were retaliatory actions against missile assaults from the Houthis.
The UN has categorically denied these allegations.
The Iran-backed Houthis took control of Sanaa and much of northern Yemen in late 2014, which led to military intervention from a Saudi-led coalition the following year.
Since the outbreak of conflict in Gaza in October 2023, the Houthis have launched missiles and drones at Israel and targeted commercial vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, causing damage to numerous ships and sinking four.
The Houthis claim that these attacks are acts of solidarity with the Palestinians.
Point of View
It is essential to approach this matter with an unbiased lens. The situation in Yemen is complex, and the release of UN personnel is a positive development, yet it underscores the broader humanitarian crisis affecting numerous individuals. Ensuring the safety of all UN workers is paramount, and the continued detention of others raises significant concerns about the region's stability and the ability of international organizations to operate effectively.
NationPress
23/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were UN staff detained in Yemen?
The Houthis accused UN staff of collaborating with Israel in relation to airstrikes in August, though no evidence has been provided for these claims.
How many UN staff are still detained?
According to recent statements, 53 UN colleagues remain arbitrarily detained by the Houthi authorities.
What actions has the UN taken regarding the detained staff?
The UN Secretary-General has called for the immediate and unconditional release of the detained staff.
What was the international reaction to these detentions?
The international community has expressed concern over the detention of UN personnel and the implications for humanitarian efforts in Yemen.
What connection do the Houthis claim to have with the Gaza conflict?
The Houthis have stated that their attacks are acts of solidarity with the Palestinians amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
