Twelve U.N. staff leave Sanaa after detention; dozens remain held, U.N. says

The U.N. spokesperson said 12 U.N. international staff who had been held in the U.N. compound in Sanaa departed on a U.N. humanitarian air service flight and that three other staff who had been detained in the compound are "free to move or travel." He added that "currently, 53 U.N. colleagues remain arbitrarily detained by the de facto authorities," and that U.N. officials are in constant contact with relevant authorities and member states to secure their release.

The spokesperson said the 12 who left did so "on their own accord" and that some relocated to Amman, Jordan; the U.N. said it intends to maintain some international staff in Sanaa. He also said the U.N. has called for the "immediate and unconditional release" of those detained and is engaged at all levels on the matter.

The U.N. noted that detentions include personnel from non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations and diplomatic missions in addition to U.N. staff. The spokesperson said the U.N. will provide updates if circumstances change.