The recent detention of United Nations staff members by the Houthis in Yemen on January 23 has drawn condemnation. This incident is part of a broader campaign involving the capture of hundreds of UN, NGO, and diplomatic personnel, including current and former Yemeni staff associated with the U.S. government.
Support has been expressed for the UN Secretary General's efforts to secure the release of those detained by the Houthis. The actions taken by this group have been criticized as being in bad faith regarding their claims to seek de-escalation. Furthermore, these actions undermine their assertions of representing Yemeni interests.
The Houthis have not committed to halting attacks on regional states, U.S. service members, or maritime traffic in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions. An Executive Order from the President designates the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), aiming to hold them accountable for such activities.
