Sana'a, (14 June 2024) — Several aid workers in Yemen have been detained by the Houthi armed group, accused of espionage for the United States and Israel under the guise of humanitarian work. The Houthis claim these individuals have been gathering and smuggling sensitive information to the CIA in exchange for the promise of U.S. visas.

According to Houthi officials, the detained workers were allegedly involved in espionage activities, including collecting and transmitting Yemen's security, military, and political information to U.S. and Israeli intelligence agencies. Houthi intelligence chief Abdul Hakim al-Khaiwani stated that this spy network has been operational for decades, infiltrating various public and private institutions in Yemen.

  • Espionage and Sabotage: The Houthis accuse the detainees of sabotaging Yemeni institutions and spreading diseases as part of their espionage activities.
  • Lure of U.S. Visas: The spies allegedly lured Yemeni officials, oil company owners, and businessmen with promises of U.S. visas to obtain classified information.
  • U.S. and Israeli Connections: The network is claimed to work directly for the CIA, and the Houthis assert that the espionage was facilitated even after the U.S. embassy's closure in Yemen in 2015.

The situation in Yemen has intensified following the escalation of the Gaza conflict, with increased hostility towards U.S. and British involvement perceived as supporting Israel. The Houthis' crackdown has led to the detention of several staff members from international organizations, including 11 UN workers, further straining relations with the international community.

  • U.S. Response: The United States has condemned the arrests, asserting that the aid workers were engaged in legitimate humanitarian efforts.
  • UN Efforts: The United Nations is actively working to secure the release of its detained employees and has expressed concern over the Houthis' accusations.

The detentions and espionage accusations highlight the complex and volatile situation in Yemen, where ongoing conflict and international interventions intersect with local power struggles. The allegations against aid workers could significantly impact the operations of international organizations in Yemen, further complicating humanitarian efforts in the war-torn country.

As the Houthis continue to assert control and respond to perceived threats from foreign powers, the situation for aid workers and international organizations in Yemen remains precarious. The international community watches closely, concerned about the implications for humanitarian access and the broader geopolitical ramifications.