U.N. Personnel Detained Amid Yemen Conflict

Nine additional United Nations personnel have been detained by Yemen's Houthi authorities, adding to a total of 53 U.N. staff held since 2021, according to U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric. The detentions are condemned by the U.N. Secretary-General, as tensions continue between the Iran-aligned Houthis and a Saudi-backed government.

Nine more United Nations personnel have been detained by Yemen's Houthi authorities, raising concerns over escalating tensions in the region. This brings the total number of detained U.N. staff to 53 since 2021, as confirmed by spokesperson Stephane Dujarric.

The Secretary-General has strongly condemned these arbitrary detentions and the unlawful seizure of U.N. premises in Houthi-controlled areas. However, details regarding the timing and circumstances of these latest detentions remain unclear.

The issue stems from a complex backdrop involving a decade-long conflict between the Iran-aligned Houthis, based in Sanaa, and the Saudi-backed government in Aden. Calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all detainees have been reiterated, emphasizing the need for international law to be respected.

(With inputs from agencies.)