Arrests and Raids in Yemen Spark Fear Among Humanitarian Workers

The Houthi rebels in Yemen have vowed to escalate their military actions in response to recent U.S. airstrikes that reportedly killed multiple Houthi leaders, including the security chief of Abdulmalik al-Houthi. The U.S. strikes, which took place in Saada, were confirmed by Saudi state television Al-Hadath and mark the first military action since President Donald Trump resumed office in January 2025. Trump had previously warned the Houthis that they would face severe repercussions for their actions. In retaliation, on March 17, the Houthis announced they had launched 18 missiles and a drone attack against the U.S. aircraft carrier USS Harry Truman and its accompanying vessels in the Red Sea. The group's spokesperson stated that the attacks were a direct response to what they described as "continued American aggression" against Yemen. This escalation raises concerns about further conflict in the already war-torn country, as both sides prepare for potential heightened military engagement in the region.

On January 25, 2025, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres announced the suspension of UN staff movement in territories controlled by Yemen's Houthi rebels, following the detention of seven UN personnel. The UN's decision comes amid escalating humanitarian concerns, as Guterres called for the immediate release of the detained workers, highlighting the detrimental impact their detention has on humanitarian efforts for millions in need. The detentions are reportedly linked to the U.S. designation of the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization, a move that has intensified retaliatory actions by the group. This development underscores the worsening humanitarian crisis and growing tensions in Yemen.

The crew of the Galaxy Leader, a Bahamas-flagged commercial ship, has been released by Houthi militants over a year after they seized the vessel off the Yemeni Red Sea coast. The handover took place on January 22, 2025, in a move reportedly linked to a recently established ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas. According to Houthi-owned Al Masirah TV, the release of the 25 crew members was coordinated with Omani authorities and represents solidarity with Gaza amid the ceasefire agreement. The crew includes nationals from Bulgaria, Ukraine, the Philippines, Mexico, and Romania, as confirmed by Galaxy Maritime, the ship's owner. The Galaxy Leader was commandeered by Houthi forces on November 19, 2023, shortly after the onset of hostilities in Gaza, and was subsequently escorted to the Houthi-controlled port of Hodeidah. Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi indicated the group's readiness to intervene if Israel escalates its military actions against Gaza. The Houthis have conducted over 100 attacks on ships in the Red Sea since November 2023, claiming these actions are in support of the Palestinian cause. Such activities have led to significant disruptions in global shipping, forcing companies to reroute their vessels around Africa to avoid danger.