A World Food Programme (WFP) worker has died while being held in Houthi-controlled northern Yemen, the UN agency confirmed. The man, identified as Ahmed, was among seven Yemeni staff members detained by local authorities since January 23. The circumstances of his death remain unclear.
The news comes just a day after the United Nations announced a temporary suspension of humanitarian operations in Saada, a stronghold of the Houthi movement, citing safety concerns. The decision follows the detention of eight more UN personnel, including six in Saada. More than 60 employees from the UN, international aid groups, and foreign embassies are currently being held.
WFP’s executive director, Cindy McCain, expressed deep sorrow over Ahmed’s passing, describing him as a dedicated humanitarian and father of two who had been working with the agency since 2017 to help deliver essential food aid.
"I am heartbroken and outraged by this tragic loss," McCain shared on social media, adding that humanitarian workers should never be targeted.
There has been no official response from Houthi authorities regarding the incident.
Yemen has been in conflict for over a decade, leading to one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. According to the United Nations, 19.5 million people—half of the country’s population—depend on aid, with 4.8 million displaceddue to the ongoing situation.
The UN Security Council is expected to review the situation in Yemen later this week. Meanwhile, humanitarian groups continue efforts to ensure the safe release of detained workers and the resumption of life-saving aid programsin affected areas.