In a recent development, Yemen’s Houthi rebels have reportedly ordered United States and United Kingdom staff working for the United Nations and other humanitarian organizations to leave the country within 30 days. This directive follows airstrikes carried out by the US and UK against military targets belonging to the Iran-aligned Houthi group. The rebels have been accused of launching attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea, with the stated aim of targeting vessels linked to Israel amid ongoing conflict between Tel Aviv and Hamas in Gaza.
The Houthi foreign ministry, through a letter addressed to the UN’s acting humanitarian coordinator in Yemen, emphasized the need for officials and workers with US and British citizenships to prepare for departure within the stipulated time frame. The letter also instructed foreign organizations not to hire individuals from the US and UK for operations in Yemen.
While the US embassy acknowledged awareness of the reports regarding the letter, it stated an inability to speak on behalf of the UN or humanitarian organizations about any communication received from Houthi authorities. The British embassy, on the other hand, mentioned that its staff had not yet been instructed to leave.
The situation is critical as the UN plays a crucial role in providing essential assistance to the Yemeni people, utilizing sea routes that the Houthis are allegedly jeopardizing. The British mission in Yemen expressed concern, emphasizing that actions hindering the UN’s ability to deliver aid should be avoided.
The Houthi rebels currently control a significant portion of Yemen after nearly a decade of conflict against a coalition led by the US-backed and Saudi Arabia-led forces. The war has reached a “no-war, no-peace” stalemate, with fighting largely halted. In response to Houthi attacks, the US and UK have launched numerous airstrikes across Yemen. The development raises concerns about the impact on humanitarian efforts in the region.
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