Houthis Seize UN Human Rights Office Amid Intensified Crackdown

Houthi rebels in Yemen stormed the United Nations' Human Rights Office in Sanaa, seizing documents, furniture, and vehicles. The move intensifies the crackdown on those working with international bodies amid the ongoing Yemen civil war. The UN demanded the immediate return of its assets.

Houthi rebels in Yemen have seized the United Nations' Human Rights Office in the capital, Sanaa, confiscating documents, furniture, and vehicles, according to a senior UN official on Tuesday.

The turbulent development is a part of a broader clampdown by Iranian-backed Houthis against personnel associated with the UN, aid agencies, and foreign embassies, exacerbated by the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.

The takeover occurred on August 3, with the UN's Yemeni staff forced to relinquish their belongings to the rebels. UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk called for the immediate return of the seized assets.

(With inputs from agencies.)