London – The United Kingdom has welcomed the latest statement issued by the UN Security Council on Yemen, stressing the urgent need for the Houthi militia to release detained UN employees.

The UK’s Minister for Middle East Affairs, Hamish Falkner, said in a statement published on the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office’s account on X that he welcomed the Council’s call for de-escalation in Yemen and its support for the country’s stability.

Falkner added: “The UK’s position is clear: the Houthis must immediately release the detainees, including those held on December 18. Threatening aid workers is completely unacceptable.” His remarks referred to UN staff members held by the Houthis, whose number has reportedly risen to 72, according to UN reports.