A WFP staff member reportedly died in a Yemeni prison after being detained by Houthi rebels, prompting the U.N. to suspend operations in Saada. The worker’s death has raised concerns over the safety of humanitarian staff in the region, where ongoing conflict exacerbates a dire humanitarian crisis. Security issues led to the suspension affecting extensive aid efforts required by millions in Yemen.
The United Nations World Food Program (WFP) announced the death of one of its staff members, who was imprisoned by Houthi rebels in Yemen. This announcement came shortly after the U.N. suspended its operations in the northern stronghold of the Houthis due to escalating security concerns. The unnamed worker, detained alongside six others on January 23, passed away three weeks later, though no specific cause of death was disclosed.
Cindy McCain, WFP executive director, expressed her grief on social media platform X, stating she was “heartbroken and outraged” by the death of Ahmed, who leaves behind a wife and two children. She emphasized his vital role in the WFP’s mission to provide crucial food assistance. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres labeled the incident a “deplorable tragedy” and condemned the ongoing detentions of other U.N. personnel as “unacceptable.”
The deceased, a 40-year-old Yemeni national who joined the WFP in 2017, died in a Saada prison under unknown circumstances. Following his death, the U.N. documented the increased detentions of its staff, leading to the suspension of humanitarian operations in Saada, affecting over 350,000 individuals reliant on U.N. aid, including food and health services.
Since the civil war erupted in Yemen in 2014, Houthi rebels have detained numerous U.N. staff members, accusing them of espionage—a claim that many rights groups assert is unfounded. The United Nations has called for the immediate release of all detained personnel, as its decision to suspend operations could heavily impact the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, where over 19 million people need aid due to the severe consequences of ongoing conflict and disaster.
The tragic death of a WFP member in Houthi custody has prompted the U.N. to halt operations in a key region of Yemen. This situation reflects the deteriorating security and humanitarian landscape in Yemen, where millions are in dire need of assistance. Consistent detentions of U.N. personnel pose significant challenges to aid efforts, stressing the urgent need for accountability and respect for humanitarian missions.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
