The latest decisions by Yemen’s de facto government, the Iran-backed Houthi militia, appear to chart an erratic course. Within days, the group kidnapped seven United Nations workers and released the crew of a merchant ship they had detained for over a year. This contradictory behavior has fueled uncertainty about the Houthis’ long-term strategy and objectives in the war-torn country.
UN Detentions Spark Backlash
Last Thursday, Houthi forces in the capital, Sana’a, abducted seven UN employees, prompting the United Nations to suspend all humanitarian operations in areas under their control. Julien Harneis, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Yemen, announced the decision on Friday, citing security concerns.
“Yesterday, the de facto authorities in Sana’a detained additional UN personnel working in areas under their control,” Harneis stated. “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…this measure will remain in place until further notice.”
The detentions have heightened fears for the safety of at least 60 international staff members who remain in Houthi custody, including workers from aid organizations and diplomatic missions. The United Nations is actively engaging with senior Houthi representatives to secure the immediate and unconditional release of its personnel.
In response, the U.S. State Department issued a strong rebuke early Sunday morning, stating that “this latest Houthi roundup demonstrates the bad faith of the terrorist group’s claims to seek de-escalation and also makes a mockery of their claims to represent the interests of the Yemeni people.” The statement further emphasized that the recent designation of the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) under a presidential executive order underscores their “reckless attacks and actions.”
A Calculated Gesture?
Earlier in the week, the Houthis unexpectedly released the crew of a merchant vessel they had captured in November 2023. The move raised hopes that the group might also release other detainees held over the past year. However, this action stands in stark contrast to their latest crackdown on humanitarian workers, reinforcing concerns about their unpredictability.
Since 2021, the Houthis have systematically targeted international staff, abducting workers from the UN, aid agencies, and diplomatic missions. Current estimates suggest they are holding around 70 foreign nationals hostage.
Wider Implications: A Regional and Global Crisis
The detentions and ship seizures are unfolding against the backdrop of the Houthis’ escalating role in regional conflicts. The group, which the U.S., EU, and other countries designate as a terrorist organization, has repeatedly claimed its military actions are in support of the Palestinian cause and Hamas in Gaza. The Houthis have targeted international shipping routes in the Red Sea since November 2023, drawing retaliatory strikes from U.S. and Israeli forces. Despite these responses, neither diplomatic pressure nor military action has deterred the militia’s aggressive tactics.
Yemen itself remains deeply divided. While the Houthis maintain control over much of the north and west, the internationally recognized government holds the south with the support of domestic allies, and tribal factions dominate the east. The country has been embroiled in a brutal conflict since 2014 when the Houthis seized Sana’a from the government. The war escalated in 2015 following the intervention of a Saudi-led coalition. Though a ceasefire in 2023 halted large-scale combat, tensions persist.
Manbilas Singh is a talented writer and journalist who focuses on the finer details in every story and values integrity above everything. A self-proclaimed sleuth, he strives to expose the fine print behind seemingly mundane activities and aims to uncover the truth that is hidden from the general public. In his time away from work, he is a music aficionado and a nerd who revels in video & board games, books and Formula 1.
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