UNICEF Yemen chief among staff held by Houthis: UN official

In a concerning development, Peter Hawkins, the UNICEF representative in Yemen, has been detained by Houthi rebels in the capital city of Sanaa. According to a UN official who spoke to AFP on Sunday, Hawkins is among 15 international United Nations employees held captive following a raid on a UN complex by the Houthis the previous day. The official, who requested anonymity, confirmed the detentions but did not provide further details regarding the circumstances or the reasons behind the raid. This incident highlights the escalating tensions in Yemen, where the Houthi rebels have been engaged in a prolonged conflict with the internationally recognized government. The detention of UN personnel, particularly high-profile figures like Hawkins, raises significant concerns about the safety of humanitarian workers in the region and the potential impact on critical aid operations. The UN has yet to issue an official statement on the matter, but the situation underscores the volatile environment in Yemen and the challenges faced by international organizations operating in the war-torn country.