UN demands urgent investigation after death of staff member held in Houthi custody

Yemeni Prime Minister Shaya al-Zindani reported that over 70 UN staff and humanitarian workers are held by the Houthis. UN Human Rights Commissioner Volker Türk called for an investigation into the death of UN staff member Mohammad el Shami, who died after being detained since June 6, 2024. Türk expressed condolences and demanded transparency regarding the circumstances of Shami's death. He also raised concerns for the safety of other detained UN personnel and called for their immediate release. The Houthis have intensified their offensive in Yemen, leading to increased conflict with the Yemeni government and retaliatory strikes from Saudi Arabia.