The United Nations has announced a suspension of its humanitarian operations in Yemen’s Saada region, following the detention of eight of its staff members by Houthi rebels. This decision underscores the deteriorating security conditions that have plagued the area, which is a stronghold for the Iran-aligned Houthis in the ongoing conflict.
In a statement released on Monday, the UN characterized the action as “extraordinary,” emphasizing that the lack of security guarantees necessitated the halt of all programs in northern Saada province. The situation has escalated, with the Houthis having detained dozens of UN personnel and associated aid workers in recent months, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in this war-torn nation.
Ongoing humanitarian crisis in Yemen
According to UN estimates, Yemen is currently experiencing one of the most severe humanitarian crises globally, with approximately 19 million people requiring urgent assistance and protection. The UN deputy spokesperson, Farhan Haq, articulated that this operational pause is intended to facilitate negotiations for the release of the arbitrarily detained UN staff and to ensure safe conditions for delivering crucial humanitarian aid.
“This pause is to give time to the de facto authorities and the United Nations to arrange the release of arbitrarily detained UN personnel and ensure that the necessary conditions are in place to deliver critical humanitarian support,” said UN deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq.
As a result of this suspension, the impact on the vulnerable population relying on UN support remains uncertain. The UN operates through seven agencies in Saada, including the World Food Programme, the World Health Organization, and UNICEF, alongside various international aid organizations.
Rising tensions and the ongoing conflict
The Houthis have yet to respond to the UN’s suspension of operations. Historically, they have publicly displayed captured UN personnel, branding them as collaborators with foreign intelligence. This trend of detaining aid workers has escalated, with the UN previously halting all travel into Houthi-controlled areas after multiple staff detentions.
Since the conflict erupted in 2014, Yemen has seen more than 150,000 casualties, encompassing both combatants and civilians. The Iranian-supported Houthis have been at odds with Yemen’s internationally recognized government, which is backed by a Saudi-led coalition. In a recent development, the Houthis made headlines by unilaterally releasing 153 detainees, a gesture aimed at reducing tensions amidst a ceasefire linked to the Israel-Hamas conflict.