Overview
- The UN says all those held are Yemeni nationals and describes the arrests as arbitrary, with many kept in isolation and families unaware of their condition.
- The Houthi movement accuses detained UN staff, aid workers and journalists of spying for the US and Israel, allegations the UN rejects.
- Secretary‑General Antonio Guterres says some detainees have been transferred to a special Houthi court and he has urged their immediate release.
- UN security measures include reducing its presence in Houthi-held areas, with the humanitarian coordinator relocated from Sanaa to Aden in September.
- Arrests have intensified since the Gaza war began and surged after Israeli strikes in August killed senior Houthi officials, including the group’s prime minister.