Sana’a — Yemen’s Houthi milita has accused the United States of exploiting United Nations humanitarian operations in the country to conduct covert intelligence activities in support of Israel. 

The claim, made through Houthi-run media outlets and official statements, comes amid heightened regional tensions and a recent crackdown on aid workers in Houthi-controlled areas.

According to the Houthis, a “spy network” allegedly linked to the CIA and Mossad was operating under the cover of international organizations, including UN agencies. 

The group claims the network had been active for years, gathering intelligence and facilitating strategic coordination between Washington and Tel Aviv, particularly in relation to Houthi military positions and Red Sea operations.

The accusations follow the detention of at least 11 UN staff members earlier this year, which the Houthis described as part of a broader effort to dismantle foreign espionage networks. 

Houthi officials allege that the detained individuals were involved in intelligence gathering disguised as humanitarian work.

“These organizations are not neutral,” a senior Houthi spokesperson said. “They are being used by the American and Zionist enemy to infiltrate Yemen and target our resistance.”

The United Nations has categorically denied the allegations, calling them “baseless and dangerous”, and has demanded the immediate release of all detained personnel. 

UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that such claims undermine humanitarian operations and put aid workers at risk.

International observers have expressed concern that the Houthis are using espionage accusations to justify increasing restrictions on humanitarian access and to consolidate control over civil society. The U.S. State Department has not officially responded to the latest claims but has previously condemned the detentions and reaffirmed its support for UN neutrality.

The incident adds a new layer of complexity to Yemen’s protracted conflict, as the Houthis continue to position themselves as part of the regional axis opposing Israel and Western influence, particularly in the wake of the Gaza war.