The United Nations announced on Friday it suspended all travel into areas held by Yemen's Houthi rebels after more of their staff were detained by the rebels.
The Houthis have already detained U.N. staffers, as well as individuals associated with the once-open U.S. Embassy in Sanaa, Yemen's capital, and aid groups.
Earlier on Friday the UN Resident Coordinator Office issued at statement confirming that the Hothi rebels detained additional UN personnel working in areas under their control, adding that to ensure the security and safety of all its staff, the United Nations has suspended all official movements into and within areas under the Houthi rebels control, stating that this measure will remain in place until further notice.
The statement mentioned that UN officials in Yemen are actively engaging with senior representatives of the Houthi rebels, demanding the immediate and unconditional release of all detained UN personnel and partners
U.S. President Donald Trump separately has moved to reinstate a terrorism designation he made on the group late in his first term that had been revoked by President Joe Biden, potentially setting the stage for new tensions with the rebels.