Aden (South24 Center)

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) announced on Tuesday, September 23, the suspension of all its humanitarian operations in areas controlled by the Houthi group in northern Yemen. This decision comes after the group detained additional UN staff members last month.

In a report, the WFP stated that since August 31, Houthi security authorities have arrested a number of UN employees, including 15 of its staff members, prompting the complete halt of its activities in the northern part of the country.

The report added that UN Secretary-General António Guterres and WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain have demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all detainees, but the group has not yet responded.

The WFP noted that its last activities in Houthi-controlled areas took place at the end of August, with the completion of the second round of emergency food assistance, which reached approximately 803,000 people in 25 districts considered among the most affected by food insecurity. The program confirmed that it is currently not providing any new aid in these areas.

The report explained that beneficiary registration operations, along with the school feeding program, remain suspended in Houthi-controlled areas due to funding shortages.

It also highlighted that its operations in Yemen face a severe funding gap of 77% of the total requirements, amounting to $432 million for the period from October 2025 to March 2026.

On September 15, UN Envoy to Yemen Hans Grundberg warned that Houthi arrests, raids on UN premises, and confiscation of its properties are directly obstructing peace efforts.

On September 16, the UN announced the relocation of the Resident Coordinator’s office from Sana'a to Aden, more than a week after the arrest of at least 18 international staff members. In a statement, the office confirmed that Aden would become the new headquarters of the UN Coordinator, with operations continuing across various regions of the country.

The move was welcomed by the Yemeni Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Southern Transitional Council (STC). The STC described it as "a confirmation that the South provides a safe environment for international organizations to operate, free from Houthi pressures."