Yemen's Houthi rebels detain at least 9 UN staffers and others in sudden crackdown, officials say
https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-un-detentions-israel-hamas-war-966dce0c3d7cd96679b3c3562ee57068
Yemens Houthi rebels detain at least 9 UN staffers and others in sudden crackdown, officials say
BY JON GAMBRELL AND BARAA ANWER
Updated 5:42 AM EDT, June 7, 2024
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) At least nine Yemeni employees of United Nations agencies have been detained by
Yemens Houthi rebels under unclear circumstances, authorities said Friday, as the rebels face increasing financial pressure and airstrikes from a U.S.-led coalition. Others working for aid groups also likely have been taken.
The detentions come as the Houthis, who seized Yemens capital nearly a decade ago and have been fighting a Saudi-led coalition since shortly after, have been
targeting shipping throughout the Red Sea corridor over the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip.
But while gaining more attention internationally, the secretive group has cracked down at dissent at home, including recently
sentencing 44 people to death.
Regional officials, speaking to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to brief journalists, confirmed the U.N. detentions. Those held include staff from the United Nations human rights agency, its development program, the World Food Program and one working for the office of its special envoy, the officials said. The wife of one of those held is also detained.
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