Iranian-backed Houthis detain two dozen UN employees in Sanaa raid

Iranian-backed Houthi rebels detained 20 United Nations employees on Sunday, a day after they raided another UN facility in the capital Sanaa, a UN official said.

Jean Al Alam, spokesman for the UN resident co-ordinator in Yemen, told The Associated Press that the staff members were held inside the agency’s compound in Sanaa’s south-western Hada neighbourhood.

Those detained include five Yemeni nationals and 15 international staff, Alam said, adding that the rebels released another 11 UN employees after questioning.

“The UN is in contact with the Houthis and other parties to resolve this serious situation as swiftly as possible, end the detention of all personnel, and restore full control over its facilities in Sanaa,” Alam said.

Read more: France 24