Sana'a – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) announced on Tuesday the suspension of all its operations in areas under Houthi control in Yemen, citing the arbitrary detention of its staff by local security authorities.

In a statement released yesterday, WFP confirmed that since August 31, Houthi security forces have unlawfully detained a number of UN personnel, including 15 members of WFP’s own field teams. 

The organization described the detentions as “arbitrary” and “unacceptable,” warning that such actions severely undermine humanitarian efforts in the country.

“This decision was not taken lightly,” the statement read. 

“The safety and security of our staff is paramount, and we cannot continue our operations under conditions that threaten their freedom and well-being.”

The suspension is expected to impact food assistance programs serving millions of vulnerable Yemenis in Houthi-controlled territories, where humanitarian needs remain dire amid ongoing conflict and economic collapse.

WFP called on the de facto authorities to immediately release all detained UN staff and to uphold international humanitarian principles. 

The agency also urged diplomatic actors to intervene and facilitate a resolution that would allow humanitarian operations to resume safely.