UN Suspends All Trips Into Houthi-Held Areas Of Yemen Over Staffers Being Detained

The United Nations on Friday suspended all travel into areas held by Yemen’s Houthi rebels after more of their staff were detained by the rebels.

The statement comes after the Houthis detained U.N. staffers, as well as individuals associated with the once-open U.S. Embassy in Sanaa and aid groups.

“Yesterday, the de facto authorities in Sanaa detained additional U.N. personnel working in areas under their control,” the U.N. statement read. “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 Houthis did not immediately acknowledge the U.N.’s decision, which came as they have been trying to deescalate their attacks on shipping and Israel after a ceasefire was reached in the Israel-Hamas war.

U.S. President Donald Trump separately has moved to reinstate a terrorism designation he made on the group late in his first term that had been revoked by President Joe Biden, potentially setting the stage for new tensions with the rebels.

Read more: AP