On 31 August 2025, the Iranian-backed Houthis executed several raids on United Nations (UN) buildings in Sanaa and Hodeidah, Yemen. At least 11 employees of the UN agencies, including the World Food Programme (WFP), the World Health Organization (WHO), and UNICEF, were taken hostage. The raids have caused worldwide condemnations and concern about the humanitarian workers' well-being.
These raids were not the first time the Houthis have attacked UN targets. In the past they have targeted aid workers, NGO s, and international staff. Human rights organizations have reported cases of arbitrary arrests and forced disappearances in areas under Houthi control. In January 2024, the UN suspended its main operations in the besieged capital when the Houthi detained eight staff members. [1]
The current attack took place after an Israeli airstrike on Sanaa that killed Ahmad al-Rahawi, the Houthi-appointed prime minister of Yemen, along with several senior ministers attending a government meeting. The Houthis accused international organizations of collaborating with the west, launching several raids targeting groups they regarded as adversaries including the UN buildings. [1] [2]
On 31 August 2025, Houthi forces attacked the UN offices in Sanaa and the port city of Hudaydah, taking them under control. [3] During the attacks on the humanitarian buildings, they detained several WFP, WHO, and UNICEF staff members. According to reports, they are keeping 11 employees in custody, [1] [4] [5] with which the number of UN staff detained in northern Yemen rose to 34. [6]
Humanitarian organizations and aid and rights groups expressed their alarm in the belief that such attacks and detentions will have grave affect on future relief operations in Yemen. Many millions of the country's population depend on international help for food, healthcare, and other basic needs. [11] [12]
On September 3, he spoke of the detained personnel, stating that UN officials' legal immunities will not protect them if they engage in espionage. [13]