Aden (South24)

On Monday, the Southern Transitional Council (STC) called on international organizations and relief missions to move their headquarters from Houthi-controlled Sanaa to Aden, and stressed its readiness to provide all necessary facilities to ensure the safety of their employees and the continuity of their humanitarian work.

Acting STC President Ali Al-Kathiri, addressing the meeting with representatives of international organizations, said: "The capital Aden is set to host all organizations and provide the necessary conditions for their work in various relief, humanitarian and human rights fields."

"We will work in coordination with local authorities and security agencies to overcome all challenges," he added.

Al-Kathiri stressed the importance of adhering to the directives of the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) regarding accelerating the transfer of the headquarters. He noted that this step will enhance the efficiency of the humanitarian work and development in the South and areas liberated from the Houthis in the North, away from "rising security threats."

At the meeting, representatives from government ministries, including the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation, expressed their full support for international organizations, and assured the provision of technical, logistical and coordination support to ensure the effective implementation of their programs.

One of the representatives of the organizations present at the meeting said: “We appreciate the support provided by the officials in Aden and their keenness to facilitate our operations. Moving to Aden will allow us to continue our work in a safer environment.”

The meeting comes after the United Nations (UN) announced on January 24 that it has halted its movement in Houthi-controlled areas in North Yemen, following a new wave of arrests by the Houthis, including of additional UN employees.

In June 2024, the Houthis arrested dozens of UN employees and of NGOs in Sanaa accusing them of spying for Israel and the United States. They also arrested former Yemeni employees of the US Embassy in Sanaa.

On January 22, US President Donald Trump redesignated the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization due to their continuing attacks on international shipping, US forces in the Red Sea, and on Washington’s regional allies.