A WFP worker died after three weeks in detention by Houthi rebels in Yemen, prompting the U.N. to suspend operations in the area due to security concerns. The worker, Ahmed, who contributed significantly to food aid efforts, is survived by his family. The U.N. Secretary-General condemned the situation, calling for accountability and an investigation into the circumstances of the worker’s death amid a dire humanitarian crisis affecting millions in Yemen.
An employee of the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) died in a Yemeni prison after being detained by Houthi rebels for three weeks. The WFP announced the death shortly after suspending its operations in northern Yemen due to security risks posed by the recent detentions of its staff. The cause of death remains undisclosed, with the deceased having been part of a group of seven WFP staffers taken by the Houthis on January 23.
Cindy McCain, executive director of WFP, expressed her heartbreak and outrage over the loss of Ahmed, the detained worker, who is survived by his wife and two children. She highlighted his significant contribution to WFP’s mission of providing vital food assistance. The U.N. Secretary-General, António Guterres, deemed the incident a “deplorable tragedy,” calling the ongoing detention of other aid workers unacceptable. He has requested an urgent independent investigation into the death.
Ahmed, a 40-year-old Yemeni national who joined the WFP in 2017, died on Monday in prison located in the Saada province, with the specific circumstances surrounding his death currently unclear. Following this incident, the U.N. has announced a halt to humanitarian operations in Saada due to safety concerns, necessitated by the recent detention of more U.N. staff members. The U.N. is demanding the release of all detained staffers amid escalating tensions.
Reports indicate that the Houthi rebels have detained several U.N. personnel and other aid groups, alleging espionage—a claim contested by human rights organizations as unfounded. The U.N., encompassing seven agencies, is crucial in delivering humanitarian aid in Saada, which has been significantly affected by the conflict. An estimated 350,000 individuals in the region rely on this support for essential needs like food and medical assistance.
The conflict in Yemen began in 2014 when Houthi rebels seized control of the capital, Sanaa, resulting in a civil war that has continued for nearly a decade. The ongoing strife has left over 150,000 dead, leading to a humanitarian crisis where more than 19 million people in Yemen are projected to need assistance this year due to the ripple effects of war, climate change, and ongoing health crises.
The tragic death of a WFP worker in a Yemeni prison highlights the perilous situation for aid workers in conflict zones. Security concerns have led the U.N. to withdraw operations in key regions, affecting vital humanitarian assistance for millions. The international community is urged to ensure accountability and facilitate the release of detained aid workers to mitigate the growing humanitarian crisis in Yemen.
Original Source: apnews.com
