Iranian-backed Yemeni Houthi rebels have attacked a UN facility in the Yemeni capital Sanaa, a UN official told The Associated Press, but added that all staff are safe, BTA reports.
The spokesman for the UN's permanent coordinator in Yemen, Jean Alam, said that Houthi security forces had stormed the organization's compound in Sanaa. He added that 15 staff were there at the time of the attack, but "according to the latest information, all staff are safe, accounted for and have contacted their families."
The rebels attacked the UN offices in Sanaa on August 31 and detained 19 staff, the organization recalled.
They later released the deputy director of the UNICEF regional office, but are still holding more than 50 people in total, including many representatives of humanitarian groups, civil society and the now-closed US embassy in Sanaa.
"The UN is taking all necessary measures and is in contact with relevant authorities and partners to ensure the safety and security of all staff and property," Alam said.
The staff at the attacked complex work for various UN agencies, including the World Food Programme, UNICEF and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs questions.