Yemen’s Houthi rebels have detained 20 United Nations staff members in Sanaa, accusing them of spying for the US and Israel. The UN has denied the allegations, with a spokesperson stating the organization is working to resolve the situation and release the detained personnel.
The militant group previously accused aid workers of spying for the US and Israel, allegations the UN has denied. Alam said that 20 employees of various UN agencies, including 16 foreign nationals, were detained during a raid on the organization’s compound in the Hada district. He added that 11 others were released after questioning.
AFP cited an unnamed UN official as saying that UNICEF’s envoy in Yemen, Peter Hawkins, is among those detained. AP reported that the Houthis confiscated all electronic devices, including computers and phones.