The UN World Food Programme did not disclose the specific details regarding the death of its employee, who was detained along with six others on January 23.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the death and called for an immediate investigation, urging that those responsible be held accountable.
“The circumstances surrounding this tragic event are still unclear, and the United Nations is urgently seeking clarifications from the Houthi de facto authorities,” he said in a statement.
Following the detention of additional UN staff by Houthi authorities, the United Nations suspended all operations in Yemen’s Sa’ada region on Monday, according to UN deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq.
“Heartbroken and outraged by the tragic loss of WFP team member, Ahmed, who lost his life while arbitrarily detained in Yemen. A devoted humanitarian and father of 2, he played a crucial role in our mission to deliver lifesaving food assistance,” WFP Chief Cindy McCain posted on X.
The Iran-aligned Houthis have controlled most populated areas of Yemen, including the capital Sanaa, since taking power in 2014 and early 2015. Since 2021, the Houthis have detained numerous UN staff members. Currently, around 24 UN staff remain in detention.
“Their continued arbitrary detention is unacceptable. I reiterate my call for their immediate and unconditional release,” Guterres said.
Yemen has been the focus of one of the largest humanitarian operations worldwide due to a decade of civil war that disrupted food supplies. The WFP reports that in 2023, it provided assistance to 15.3 million people, representing 47% of the population.
