On 31 August 2025, theIranian-backedHouthis executed several raids onUnited Nations (UN) buildings inSanaa andHodeidah, Yemen. At least 11 employees of the UN agencies, including theWorld Food Programme (WFP), theWorld Health Organization (WHO), andUNICEF, were taken hostage. The raids have caused worldwide condemnations and concern about the humanitarian workers' well-being.
These raids were not the first time the Houthis have attacked UN targets. In the past they have targeted aid workers,NGOs, and international staff. Human rights organizations have reported cases of arbitrary arrests and forced disappearances in areas under Houthi control. In January 2024, the UN suspended its main operations in the besieged capital when the Houthi detained eight staff members.[1]
The current attack took place afteran Israeli airstrike on Sanaa that killedAhmad al-Rahawi, the Houthi-appointed prime minister of Yemen, along with several senior ministers attending a government meeting. The Houthis accused international organizations of collaborating with the west, launching several raids targeting groups they regarded as adversaries including the UN buildings.[1][2]
On 31 August 2025, Houthi forces attacked the UN offices in Sanaa and the port city of Hudaydah, taking them under control.[3] During the attacks on the humanitarian buildings, they detained several WFP, WHO, and UNICEF staff members. According to reports, they are keeping 11 employees in custody,[1][4][5] with which the number of UN staff detained in northern Yemen rose to 34.[6]
On 18 October 2025, Houthi forces raided the UN facility in Sana’a’s Hadda district. According to Jean Alam, the spokesman for the U.N resident coordinator for Yemen, confirmed that there were 15 employees in the facility during the raid. He added that they are all safe and have made contact with their families.[2][7] Following the raid, on 19 and 20 of October, the Houthis detained about 24 employees in the compound. Reports say that 11 of them were released after questioning, while 20 others remain detained, 15 of them are foreigners and 5 are local.[3][4] Another UN source claimed that the Houthis confiscated phones, servers and computers form the facility.[8][9]
Humanitarian organizations and aid and rights groups expressed their alarm in the belief that such attacks and detentions will have grave affect on future relief operations in Yemen. Many millions of the country's population depend on international help for food, healthcare, and other basic needs.[14][15]
On September 3, he spoke of the detained personnel, stating that UN officials' legal immunities will not protect them if they engage in espionage.[16]
On October 8, 2025, UN spokespersonStéphane Dujarric, stated that one UN employee was released. However, about 53 employees are held by the Houthis, from various raids dating back to 2021. The UN continues to demand the release of all the employees that are protected by international law.[17][18]
Following the raids on UN facilities, the UN has suspended it operations in Saada.[8]