Houthi forces raided UN offices in Sanaa, detaining another staff member and bringing total UN personnel held to 59, says spokesperson.
NEW YORK: Another United Nations staff member has been detained in Yemen, bringing the total number of the world body’s employees apprehended in recent days to six.
A United Nations spokesperson confirmed the latest detention occurred after Houthi security forces entered several United Nations offices in Sanaa on Sunday.
Spokesperson for the UN secretary general Stephane Dujarric added that the Houthis confiscated IT and communication equipment and assets during the raid.
At least 59 United Nations personnel are now being held by the Houthis according to Dujarric, who strongly condemned the continued detentions.
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The United Nations noted that some of these detained personnel have been held for several years.
Hundreds of United Nations personnel remain in parts of Houthi-controlled Yemen, including a small number of international staff.
Deputy spokesperson for the UN secretary general Farhan Haq stated their immediate priority is the safety and well-being of all United Nations personnel.
Haq emphasised their commitment to securing the release of colleagues arbitrarily detained and preventing further detentions.
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The Iran-aligned Houthis have controlled most of Yemen, including the capital Sanaa, since seizing power in 2014 and early 2015.
According to the United Nations, Houthi actions have made it increasingly difficult for the agency to provide assistance to those in need in Yemen.
Haq confirmed last week that Houthi actions are forcing the United Nations to reassess how it works in areas controlled by the group. – Reuters
