Sana’a — The United Nations has confirmed that 12 of its staff members who were previously detained by Houthi authorities in Sana’a have safely left Yemen, marking a significant development in a months-long diplomatic standoff.

In a statement issued by the UN spokesperson’s office, the organization expressed relief over the departure of the employees, who had been held under various forms of detention or movement restrictions since earlier this year. The staff members, both international and Yemeni nationals, were reportedly released in stages following intensive negotiations and third-party mediation.

“We welcome the safe exit of our colleagues from Yemen and thank all parties who contributed to resolving this difficult situation,” the statement read. “Their departure does not diminish our concern for other UN and NGO personnel who remain unaccounted for or under restriction.”

The 12 individuals were among dozens of UN and humanitarian workers detained in Houthi-controlled areas since 2021, often without formal charges. Rights groups and UN officials have repeatedly condemned the detentions as arbitrary and in violation of international law.

Diplomatic sources credited the Sultanate of Oman with playing a key role in facilitating the release and departure of the staff, echoing recent praise from UN Secretary-General António Guterres for Muscat’s quiet diplomacy.

While the departure of the 12 staff members is seen as a positive step, the UN continues to call for the unconditional release of all remaining detained personnel and the restoration of full operational freedom for humanitarian agencies in Yemen.

The incident has drawn renewed attention to the risks faced by aid workers in conflict zones and the growing challenges of delivering humanitarian assistance in areas under de facto authority control.