Yemen’s Houthi authorities have detained an additional 10 United Nations staff members, bringing the total number of UN personnel held in the country to 69, the UN confirmed on December 18, 2025. The latest arrests are part of a growing pattern of targeting international organisations and aid workers amid ongoing regional tensions.

UN Response and Statement

Farhan Haq, deputy spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, confirmed the detentions and emphasized that all newly detained staff are Yemeni nationals. The UN rejected the Houthis’ allegations that these staff members were involved in spying activities, which carry severe penalties under Yemeni law.

“We can confirm the arbitrary detention today of 10 UN staff members by the Houthi de facto authorities in Sanaa, bringing the total number of UN detainees to 69,” Haq said.

The UN has repeatedly urged the Houthis to release detained employees and reverse their transfer to special Houthi courts. Guterres recently raised the issue with Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, highlighting Oman’s key role in mediating the Yemen conflict.

Context: Houthis’ Escalating Actions

The Houthis have intensified detentions of UN staff, diplomats, and aid workers since Israel launched military strikes on Gaza in October 2023. Arrests have also spiked following Israeli airstrikes in August 2025, which killed Houthi Prime Minister Ahmed Ghaleb Nasser al-Rahawi.

Last month, a Houthi court sentenced 17 individuals to death by firing squad on charges of spying for Israel, the US, and Saudi Arabia, according to Houthi media.

Yemen’s Humanitarian Crisis

Yemen has been embroiled in a civil war since 2014, when Houthi fighters seized the capital, Sanaa. Although a truce came into effect in 2022, the country remains mired in one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, according to the UN.

The conflict has caused widespread displacement, infrastructure destruction, and severe shortages of food, medicine, and basic services. Since October 2023, Houthi forces have targeted vessels in the Red Sea and carried out drone and missile attacks against Israel, claiming solidarity with Palestinians under attack.

Israeli Military Actions

Israel has responded with frequent airstrikes targeting Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, hitting civilian infrastructure, including residential buildings and Yemen’s main international airport. These strikes have killed dozens of civilians, including children and journalists, and exacerbated the country’s already dire humanitarian situation.

Diplomatic Developments

In response to the escalating detentions and attacks, the UN has transferred key personnel, including the humanitarian coordinator for Yemen, from Sanaa to Aden, the seat of the internationally recognized Yemeni government. The international community continues to call for the safe release of all UN staff and a return to peaceful negotiations.