US-Israel-Iran War Live News: The United Nations has said Yemen’s Houthi movement seized a humanitarian facility in the Red Sea port city of Mocha after the Iran-allied group recently captured the strategically important city.
UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq said during a press briefing on Friday that the facility had housed staff from UN agencies. However, all personnel had already left the site and were safe.
Eight Yemeni UN staff members who were in the area were relocated to nearby Aden, Turbah and Taiz ahead of the Houthis’ rapid battlefield advance.
US-Israel-Iran War Live News: Houthis Seize UN Humanitarian Facility In Mocha
The Houthis have taken control of a humanitarian facility used by United Nations agencies in Mocha, according to the UN.
Farhan Haq said the facility had previously housed UN staff, but no employees were present when the Houthis seized the premises.
The takeover came after the Iran-allied group made a swift battlefield advance and captured the Red Sea port city.
US-Israel-Iran War Live News: UN Staff Evacuated From Mocha Before Houthi Advance
The United Nations relocated its personnel from Mocha before the Houthi advance as the security situation in the area deteriorated.
Eight Yemeni UN staff members who had been in Mocha were moved to Aden, Turbah and Taiz.
The UN confirmed that no employees remain in Mocha following the relocation.
UN Calls For Protection Of Humanitarian Workers In Yemen
The United Nations has urged all parties in the conflict to protect humanitarian personnel, facilities and aid assets.
“Humanitarian personnel, premises and assets must be respected and protected at all times,” Haq said.
The UN has repeatedly stressed that humanitarian facilities must remain protected so aid agencies can continue assisting civilians affected by the conflict.
Houthi Capture Of Mocha Raises Humanitarian Concerns
The Houthi takeover of Mocha could create additional challenges for humanitarian operations in Yemen as the security situation continues to change.
Mocha is located on Yemen’s Red Sea coast and has strategic importance because of its location along a major maritime route.
With UN personnel already relocated from the city, the organisation is monitoring developments and assessing the impact of the Houthi takeover on humanitarian operations.
The UN has reiterated that humanitarian workers and facilities must be protected despite the ongoing conflict and changes in territorial control across Yemen.
