Sana'a – Yemen’s Houthi movement has launched a fierce media offensive against UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg, following his recent statement condemning the group’s detention of humanitarian workers and raids on UN offices in Houthi-controlled areas.

In a televised response and official communiqués, Houthi officials accused Grundberg of bias and “political complicity,” claiming his remarks ignored what they described as “Israeli aggression” in Yemen, including the recent airstrike that killed senior Houthi leader Ahmed Al-Rahawi. The group alleged that some detained aid workers were involved in espionage activities under the guise of humanitarian work—an accusation strongly denied by the United Nations.

Grundberg’s statement, issued earlier this week, described the detentions and office raids as “a dangerous escalation” that undermines humanitarian operations and violates international law. He called for the immediate and unconditional release of all UN and NGO staff, emphasizing the need to protect humanitarian space amid Yemen’s worsening crisis.

The Houthis, in turn, accused the UN envoy of “covering for Western intelligence networks” and claimed that his silence on the Israeli airstrike reflects a “double standard” in international diplomacy.