Houthi authorities in Yemen issued a directive this week to the United Nation’s acting humanitarian coordinator, Peter Hawkins, mandating the exit of all American and British aid workers within the next 30 days. This move falls on the heels of continued military strikes by US and UK forces in Yemen.
Yemen, situated near the strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait, has been at the focal point of Houthi forces’ activities, with their operations targeting diverse global vessels traversing this busy shipping lane. This was a reported response to Israeli military activities in Palestine. In reaction to these naval attacks, US and UK military forces initiated retaliatory strikes against Houthi targets earlier this month. The latest of these, only a few days ago, had the US Department of Defense providing a detailed statement, disclosing additional strikes on Houthi underground storage sites and locations linked to the Houthi missile and air surveillance capabilities.
Beyond the immediate evacuation of British and American aid workers, the directive from the Houthi-controlled Foreign Affairs Ministry also urged the United Nations to refrain from recruiting more personnel holding dual citizenship from the United States and United Kingdom. Amidst these tensions, the Ministry did convey its respect and appreciation for the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s office.
Finally, it’s important to note that Yemen has been in the throes of a civil war since 2014, with the Iran-backed Houthi rebels engaged in conflict with the government’s forces. This ongoing conflict has resulted in what is widely considered the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, with over 21 million Yemeni people in need of assistance.