The Iran-backed Houthi rebels have detained U.N. workers as they face U.S. and U.K. airstrikes over their attacks on Red Sea shipping.
Duabai, United Arab Emirates — At least nine Yemeni employees of United Nations agencies have been detained by under unclear circumstances, authorities said Friday, as the rebels face increasing financial pressure and airstrikes from a U.S.-led coalition. Others working for aid groups also likely have been taken.
The detentions come as the Houthis, who seized Yemen’s capital nearly a decade ago and since shortly after, have been corridor in what they say is a direct response to Israel’s war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
Exactly a week ago, the their Red Sea attacks after new airstrikes by U.S. and British forces in Yemen that the rebels said killed 16 people. Three officials told CBS News national security correspondent David Martin the U.S. used a 5,000-pound bunker-buster bomb as part of that joint strike against Houthi targets.
While gaining more attention internationally, the secretive group has cracked down on dissent in the vast territory it holds in Yemen, including recently sentencing 44 people to death.
Regional officials, speaking to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to brief journalists, confirmed the U.N. detentions. Those held include staff from the United Nations human rights agency, its development program, the World Food Program and one working for the office of its special envoy, the officials said.
