UN agency to halt operations in Houthi-controlled Yemen, lay off 360 staff: sources

SANAA, Jan. 28 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) will suspend all operations in areas of Yemen controlled by the Houthi group and terminate the contracts of 360 Yemeni employees starting March 31, multiple sources told Xinhua on Wednesday.

Sources from Yemen's internationally-recognized government and WFP staff in Sanaa confirmed that the decision was conveyed during a virtual meeting with program leadership. The suspension affects all WFP activities in the capital Sanaa and other Houthi-held provinces.

A Yemeni WFP official, speaking anonymously, cited the loss of a safe operating environment and funding constraints as key reasons behind the move. He also noted that 38 WFP employees have been detained by the Houthis for several months.

There was no immediate comment from the Houthi group regarding the suspension.

The UN has repeatedly accused the Houthis of detaining local UN staff, with some held since 2021, and has called for their immediate and unconditional release.■