extreme gaming 88 US condemns capture of UN staff by Yemen’s Houthi rebels
A fighter, loyal to Yemen’s Huthi rebels, stands guard during a protest following US and British forces strikes, in the Houthi-controlled capital Sanaa on January 12, 2024 amid the ongoing battles between Israel and the militant Hamas group in Gaza. FILE PHOTO/Agence France-Presse
WASHINGTON — The US State Department on Saturday condemned the capture of additional UN staff by Houthi rebels in Yemen, amid the group’s ongoing attacks in the region.
In a statement, the department called for the release of all detainees, including seven UN workers captured Thursday, and decried the “campaign of terror” by the rebel group.
Article continues after this advertisement“This latest Houthi roundup demonstrates the bad faith of the terrorist group’s claims to seek de-escalation and also makes a mockery of their claims to represent the interests of the Yemeni people,” the State Department said.
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It also highlighted an executive order signed by President Donald Trump this week placing the Houthis back on the US list of foreign terrorist organizations.
Article continues after this advertisementThe Iran-backed Houthis have detained dozens of staff from UN and other humanitarian organizations, most since the middle of last year.
AirportWatch.PH spokesperson Ren delos Santos said in a statement, “Instead of delivering on its promise to modernize the airport, the DOTr (Department of Transportation) has implemented what feels like a cash grab.”
Article continues after this advertisementUN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for the “immediate and unconditional” release of all aid staff held in Yemen, where an ongoing humanitarian crisis has left the country reeling after a decade of war.
Article continues after this advertisementREAD: 429-day ordeal ends for 17 PH seafarers held by Yemen rebs
The Houthis, saying they are acting in solidarity with the Palestinians, have been attacking the Red Sea shipping route and firing on Israel since the outbreak of the Gaza war, prompting reprisal strikes from US, Israeli and British forces.
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