DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — On Friday, the United Nations announced a halt to all travel into regions controlled by Yemen’s Houthi rebels following the detention of additional U.N. personnel by the group. This move comes amidst a growing concern over the safety of U.N. staff, as the Houthis have previously arrested not only U.N. workers but also individuals linked to the U.S. Embassy in Sanaa and various humanitarian organizations.
In a statement issued by the U.N., it was confirmed that more personnel were taken into custody by the Houthi authorities operating in Sanaa. “To ensure the security and safety of all its staff, the United Nations has suspended all official movements into and within areas under the de facto authorities’ control,” the statement outlined. Prior to this development, 16 Yemeni members of the U.N. had already been detained by the Houthis, effectively crippling operations aimed at providing essential aid, including food and medical supplies, to Yemen’s struggling population.
The situation escalated in June when the U.N. reported that 11 of its Yemeni staff were taken by the Houthis under circumstances that remain unclear, adding to the ongoing trend of repression in areas under Houthi control. The U.N. has expressed its commitment to dialogue with senior Houthi officials, as the group has maintained control over Yemen’s capital since 2014. The Houthis, backed by Iran, have been engaged in conflict with a Saudi-led coalition that supports Yemen’s exiled government since 2015.
Interestingly, the Houthis did not immediately respond to the U.N.’s travel suspension, which coincides with their recent attempts to reduce hostilities, particularly in maritime operations following a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict. In a separate political context, U.S. President Trump announced plans to restore a terrorism designation previously applied to the Houthis during his first term—a designation that had been lifted by President Biden. It remains unclear to what extent the group associates the U.N.’s actions with the renewed U.S. stance.
Earlier in the week, the Houthis signaled a reduction in their attacks on vessels in the Red Sea and released the crew of a ship they had captured last November. Despite a facade of diminishing hostility, the group continues to target individuals with perceived Western affiliations through a series of televised propaganda portraying these individuals as collaborators with foreign intelligence.
The ongoing war in Yemen has led to over 150,000 fatalities, encompassing both combatants and civilians, and has triggered one of the most severe humanitarian crises globally, with tens of thousands more lives lost. The Houthis’ assaults on shipping routes amid the Israel-Hamas conflict have arguably served to distract attention from their domestic challenges. However, they have not escaped the impact of U.S.-led military strikes aimed at dismantling their operations, alongside retaliatory actions from Israel.
The conflict has resulted in thousands being imprisoned by the Houthis, with numerous reports indicating horrific treatment of detainees. Investigative findings revealed instances where detainees were subjected to extreme forms of punishment, including being scorched with acid and enduring prolonged periods of hanging. Moreover, the Houthis have faced criticism for employing child soldiers and indiscriminately planting landmines throughout the war-torn regions.
