USAID strongly condemns the recent detentions of United Nations, diplomatic, and non-governmental organization (NGO) staff by the Houthis. These detentions are an affront both to diplomatic norms and to the dedication the individuals have shown to supporting the people of Yemen. We call on the Houthis to release all of these individuals, immediately and without any further harm, and to release the others – including our Yemeni USAID colleagues – they have unjustly detained, some for more than two and a half years. 

The Houthis’ attempts to spread disinformation regarding the roles of USAID, the U.S. government, the UN, and other international organizations working to improve the lives of the Yemeni people through the use of forced and fraudulent “confessions” is deplorable. We strongly condemn their abuse and detention of U.S. current and former local staff, as well as United Nations, diplomatic, and non-governmental organization staff.