Nine more UN staff detained by Houthis in Yemen, UN chief condemns

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly condemns the ongoing arbitrary detentions of UN personnel and its partners, as well as the unlawful seizure of UN premises and assets in areas controlled by the Houthis, a UN spokesperson said Monday.

The condemnation was issued after the Houthi de facto authorities in Yemen recently detained nine more UN personnel.

With the latest detentions, the total number of arbitrarily detained UN staff in Yemen since 2021 has increased to 53, Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN chief, said in a statement.

Noting that these actions hinder the United Nations' ability to operate in Yemen and deliver critical aid, the statement said the secretary-general remains deeply concerned about the safety and security of UN personnel in Yemen.

Guterres reiterated his urgent call for the immediate and unconditional release of all personnel from the United Nations, non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations, and diplomatic missions, the statement said. "They must be respected and protected in accordance with applicable international law."

(With input from Xinhua) 

(Cover: Vehicles drive past a Yemeni flag fluttering on the 11th anniversary of the takeover of northern Yemen, in Sana'a, Yemen, September 21, 2025. /VCG)