Sana'a – The United Nations has confirmed plans to uphold a restricted international footprint in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, which remains under the control of the Houthi movement, despite a wave of detentions and raids targeting UN personnel and humanitarian offices.

This decision follows a series of alarming incidents, including the detention of at least 20 UN employees by Houthi forces during coordinated raids on UN facilities in October. 

The raids, described by UN officials as a “serious escalation,” have drawn widespread condemnation and raised concerns over the safety of aid workers operating in the region.

In a statement, UN Secretary-General António Guterres reiterated calls for the immediate release of detained staff and emphasized the importance of continued humanitarian engagement in Yemen.

 “The United Nations remains committed to delivering life-saving assistance to the Yemeni people, even under the most challenging circumstances,” the statement read.

Despite the risks, the UN has opted to retain a minimal operational presence in Sanaa, citing the urgent need to sustain humanitarian access to millions of Yemenis affected by conflict and economic collapse. However, the organization has temporarily halted staff movements within Houthi-controlled areas pending security reassessments.

The Houthi-run Foreign Ministry has defended its actions, accusing international organizations of “espionage” and warning that diplomatic protections should not shield foreign personnel from scrutiny. This rhetoric has further strained relations between the Houthis and the international aid community.