Sana’a – Yemen’s Houthi movement has accused at least 11 United Nations employees of espionage on behalf of Israel and the United States, following their arrest earlier this week in the capital, Sana’a.

According to statements from Houthi officials, the detained staff—who include personnel from the World Food Programme (WFP) and UNICEF—are alleged to have collaborated with what the group described as “American and Israeli aggression.” The arrests came in the wake of an Israeli airstrike that reportedly killed Houthi Prime Minister Ahmed Ghaleb Nasser al-Rahawi and several cabinet members last Thursday.

“These individuals are accused of spying for hostile foreign powers,” a Houthi official told AFP on condition of anonymity. “Those whose involvement is confirmed will be referred to trial”.

The United Nations has strongly condemned the detentions. Secretary-General António Guterres called for the immediate and unconditional release of all UN personnel, emphasizing that humanitarian workers must never be targeted while performing their duties. He also denounced the forced entry into UN premises and the seizure of property by Houthi forces.

The incident marks a sharp escalation in tensions between the Houthis and international organizations operating in rebel-held areas. It also reflects the growing regional fallout from the Israel–Gaza conflict, which has seen the Houthis launch attacks on Israeli targets and maritime traffic in the Red Sea since late 2023.

UN agencies are currently conducting internal reviews and headcounts to assess the full scope of the detentions. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts are underway to secure the release of the detained staff and de-escalate the situation.

This latest crackdown raises serious concerns about the safety of humanitarian operations in Yemen, where millions remain dependent on international aid amid one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.