Aden— The United Nations Security Council has issued a strong condemnation of the recent detentions of at least 21 UN personnel by Houthi authorities in Yemen, demanding their immediate and unconditional release.

In a press statement led by Council President Sangjin Kim of South Korea, members expressed grave concern over the Houthis’ forced entry into UN premises—including those of the World Food Programme (WFP) and UNICEF—and the seizure of UN property, actions deemed clear violations of international law.

The Council emphasized that the safety and security of humanitarian workers must be guaranteed at all times, warning that such detentions threaten the already fragile humanitarian situation in Yemen.

With food insecurity reaching alarming levels, members stressed that obstructing aid delivery could exacerbate suffering among civilians. UN Secretary-General António Guterres echoed the Council’s stance, calling the detentions “arbitrary” and reaffirming that UN personnel “must never be targeted, arrested or detained while carrying out their duties”.

The Security Council reiterated its support for UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg’s efforts toward a Yemeni-led political settlement and urged all parties to respect international humanitarian law and ensure unimpeded access for aid organizations. This latest escalation comes amid broader regional tensions and ongoing conflict, raising fears that Yemen could become a flashpoint in wider geopolitical confrontations.