Yemeni authorities under the Houthi administration have stated that the legal process involving detained United Nations employees is nearing a formal trial phase. They maintain that the detentions stem from suspicions that some staff members may have been connected to the Israeli strike in August that killed the Houthi-appointed prime minister and several ministers in Sanaa. That incident marked the first instance in which senior Houthi government leaders were killed in such a strike, creating significant internal shock and escalating tensions in the region. Following the attack, Houthi security forces detained 36 UN personnel, although the number of individuals expected to stand trial has not been specified.
In comments given to Reuters, the acting foreign minister, Abdulwahid Abu Ras, asserted that the arrests and subsequent inquiry were conducted under judicial oversight. He said prosecutors were informed at every stage of the process and suggested that judicial proceedings would soon move toward trials and verdicts. His remarks signal the Houthis’ intent to position the detentions as lawful internal security actions rather than arbitrary crackdowns.
The Houthi administration continues to allege involvement by a cell purportedly operating within the World Food Programme, linking it to intelligence activities. Abu Ras framed this claim as part of the justification for the detentions. The United Nations, however, has consistently rejected these accusations and denied that any UN staff or operations in Yemen played a role in the strike or in espionage efforts. The UN has also voiced concern regarding the detentions and has called for the release of its personnel.
At present, UN agencies have not provided detailed comment beyond reaffirming that there is no evidence supporting the claims advanced by Houthi officials. The situation remains sensitive, with international humanitarian organisations monitoring developments closely, given the implications for aid operations and personnel safety in Yemen.
