UN Faces Challenges in Yemen Amid Houthi Crackdown on Aid Workers

The United Nations is scaling back operations in Yemen due to increasing risks posed by Houthi rebel actions against UN staff and other humanitarian groups. Despite strong denials of Houthi allegations, the situation is hampering aid delivery and exacerbating Yemen's already dire humanitarian crisis.

The United Nations is significantly reducing its activities in Yemen following intensified crackdowns by Houthi rebels on UN staff and other humanitarian, human rights, and development organizations, announced Joyce Msuya, the acting UN humanitarian chief, on Thursday.

Msuya informed the UN Security Council that steps are being taken to mitigate risks for staff in Houthi-controlled regions. The UN is now focusing solely on essential lifesaving and life-sustaining activities, shelving broader initiatives aimed at developing Yemen, the Arab world's poorest nation.

Amid escalating tensions, the Houthis have detained over 60 workers from the UN and allied organizations, and leveled unverified claims of an "American-Israeli spy network." The UN has categorically rejected these allegations, emphasizing that such false claims jeopardize the safety of humanitarian workers and impede critical efforts to aid the Yemeni populace.

(With inputs from agencies.)