UN responds to Houthis' order demanding US, UK staff leave Yemen

By Servet Gunerigok

WASHINGTON (AA) - The UN responded Wednesday to an order from the Houthi group instructing US and UK nationals working for the UN and its humanitarian organizations to leave Yemen within a month.

Spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the international body has received communications "from the de facto authorities," in reference to the Yemeni group.

"What needs to be said is that any requests or requirements for UN staff to leave based solely on their nationality of that staff is inconsistent with the legal framework applicable to the UN," Dujarric told reporters.

"It also, of course, impedes our ability to deliver on the mandate to support all of the people in Yemen and we call on all the authorities in Yemen to ensure that our staff can continue to perform their functions on behalf of the UN," he said.

The spokesperson noted that all UN staff work impartially and serve the flag of the UN.

Multiple outlets reported earlier that authorities in Sanaa informed the UN resident coordinator that personnel holding British and US nationality had one month to get depart the country.

A letter dated Jan. 20 and circulated on social media stated that staff should be prepared to leave immediately once the deadline lapses, with a notice of 24 hours to be provided through a letter.

Yemen has fallen into violence since 2014 when Houthi rebels captured much of the country from the Saudi-backed Yemeni government. The conflict, however, has seen a de-escalation more than a year ago.

Tensions have escalated in the Red Sea amid Houthi attacks on commercial ships suspected of having links with Israel.

The Houthis said the attacks are to pressure Israel to halt its deadly onslaught on the Gaza Strip. That prompted the US and Britain to launch retaliatory airstrikes against Houthi targets inside Yemen.

The Red Sea is one of the world's most frequently used sea routes for oil and fuel shipments.