Sana'a, Yemen - In a move that raises fears of further escalation in the already fragile Yemeni conflict, the Houthi-controlled government has ordered all US and British citizens working for the United Nations to leave the country within a month. This unprecedented decision comes amidst a recent increase in US and British airstrikes against Houthi targets.
Houthi spokesperson Mohammed Abdulsalam declared the expulsion order on state television Sunday evening, accusing the US and UK of "blatant aggression" against Yemen and "direct involvement in the ongoing humanitarian crisis." Abdulsalam further stated that the presence of US and British UN personnel constituted a security threat and undermined Yemen's sovereignty.
This latest development marks a significant escalation in tensions between the Houthis and the US-backed Saudi-led coalition. The Yemeni conflict, ongoing since 2014, has ravaged the country, leaving millions on the brink of starvation and facing the world's worst humanitarian crisis.
The US and UK, key members of the Saudi-led coalition, have consistently denied accusations of targeting civilians in airstrikes. However, human rights groups have documented numerous civilian casualties resulting from coalition operations.
The Houthi order to expel UN personnel raises concerns about potential disruptions to critical humanitarian aid deliveries and access to essential services for millions of Yemenis. The UN currently plays a crucial role in facilitating aid shipments and providing healthcare, water, and sanitation services to vulnerable populations across the country.
Reacting to the expulsion order, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern and urged the Houthis to reconsider their decision. Guterres stressed the vital role of UN personnel in alleviating the suffering of the Yemeni people and appealed for all parties to prioritize dialogue and a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
The international community has also expressed alarm at the escalating tensions. Calls for immediate de-escalation and renewed diplomatic efforts to end the Yemeni conflict are likely to intensify in the wake of this development.
It remains unclear how the Houthis will implement the expulsion order and whether the deadline will be extended. The Yemeni conflict, now entering its ninth year, shows no signs of abating, leaving the future of the country and its people hanging in the balance.