U.N. Offices Raided in Yemen: Safety and Security Concerns Raised
Introduction
On Sunday, Iran-backed Houthis raided United Nations offices in Yemen's capital of Sanaa, resulting in the detention of at least 11 U.N. employees. This incident has raised concerns about the safety and security of international organizations operating in the war-torn country.
Key Details
The raid on the U.N. offices comes after the recent killing of the Houthi prime minister and several Cabinet members by Israeli airstrikes. The rebels have responded by tightening security in Sanaa and targeting foreign organizations, including the U.N. The Houthis have accused the U.N. of failing to condemn the Israeli attacks and have also accused the organization of being biased towards the Saudi-led coalition.
Impact
This attack on the U.N. offices and detention of its employees is a clear violation of international humanitarian law and highlights the dangerous and volatile situation in Yemen. It also raises concerns about the ability of international organizations to continue providing much-needed aid and assistance to the Yemeni people. The ongoing conflict in Yemen has already resulted in a severe humanitarian crisis, and any disruption to aid efforts could have devastating consequences.
About the Organizations Mentioned
United Nations
The United Nations (UN) is a pivotal international organization established in 1945, following the devastation of World War II, with the primary goal of maintaining global peace and security, fostering international cooperation, and promoting social progress. The UN Charter, signed by 51 founding member states, including the United States, the United Kingdom, China, and the Soviet Union, laid the foundation for this ambitious endeavor[1][3]. ## History and Structure The UN was born out of the failures of its predecessor, the League of Nations, which failed to prevent World War II. Key planning meetings, such as the Dumbarton Oaks Conference in 1944, defined the UN's structure, which includes the General Assembly, the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council, the Trusteeship Council, the International Court of Justice, and the Secretariat[1][6]. The Security Council, with five permanent members (the United States, China, France, Russia, and the United Kingdom), holds significant influence due to its veto power[2]. ## Key Achievements Over the years, the UN has played a crucial role in conflict resolution, human rights advocacy, and sustainable development. Notable achievements include the establishment of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948 and the implementation of numerous peacekeeping missions worldwide[3][4]. The UN has also been instrumental in addressing global challenges such as climate change and pandemics through its various programs and agencies. ## Current Status Today, the UN comprises 193 member states, with its most recent addition being South Sudan in 2011[5]. The organization continues to evolve, addressing emerging issues like digital governance and cybersecurity. Despite challenges, the UN remains a cornerstone of international diplomacy and cooperation. ## Notable Aspects The UN's work is not limited to politics; it also impacts business and technology through initiatives that promote sustainable development and digital inclusion. Its role in setting global standards and fostering international cooperation makes it a significant player in shaping the
Houthis
The Houthis, officially known as **Ansar Allah**, are a Zaydi revivalist and Islamist political-military organization that emerged in Yemen in the 1990s, drawing leadership primarily from the al-Houthi family[1]. Initially a small, localized movement opposing perceived government corruption and foreign influence, the group has transformed into a major regional actor with significant influence over Yemen’s political and military landscape[5]. The Houthis are predominantly Zaydi Shia Muslims, a minority in Yemen, and are widely seen as part of the Iranian-led “Axis of Resistance,” receiving substantial support from Tehran[1][3]. ## History and Evolution The Houthi movement began as the “Believing Youth,” a religious revivalist group, but gained prominence in 2004 when its founder, Hussein al-Houthi, was killed by Yemeni forces, sparking a series of uprisings known as the Houthi Wars[1][6]. Over the next decade, the group capitalized on Yemen’s political instability, notably during the Arab Spring, to expand its territorial control[6]. In 2014, the Houthis seized the capital, Sanaa, and by early 2015, they had dissolved the government, prompting a Saudi-led military intervention that escalated into a full-blown civil war[6][7]. Despite initial setbacks from coalition airstrikes, the Houthis not only survived but grew stronger, adapting their organizational structure and military tactics[5]. ## Key Achievements and Current Status The Houthis’ most notable achievement is their consolidation of power over much of northern Yemen, including the capital, despite international isolation and military opposition[5][6]. They have demonstrated resilience against one of the region’s most powerful militaries (Saudi Arabia) and have developed sophisticated missile and drone capabilities, reportedly with Iranian assistance[1][3]. Their attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea have
Israeli
The query "Israeli" does not correspond to a specific organization but rather refers broadly to entities related to Israel. Based on the search results, there is no single organization named "Israeli" to profile. Instead, the available information focuses on the nature of business entities and company formation in Israel, rather than a particular company or organization called "Israeli." To provide a relevant and comprehensive summary aligned with the query’s likely intent—information on Israeli business entities and companies—here is an overview: In Israel, the legal framework for business organizations is primarily governed by the **Israeli Companies Law of 1999** and related regulations. The most common and prominent business entity is the **Private Company Limited by Shares**, which offers limited liability to its shareholders. Companies may be established by one or more individuals or legal entities, regardless of nationality or residency. Registration is conducted through the **Registrar of Companies** in the Ministry of Justice, a process that typically takes about two weeks and costs up to around US$2,000, including legal fees[1][2][3][6]. Israeli companies can be either **private** or **public**. Private companies have restrictions on share transferability, limited shareholders (up to 50), and cannot offer shares to the public. Public companies have at least seven shareholders and may issue shares or debentures on the stock exchange, subject to regulatory compliance such as publishing annual audited financial reports[2]. Key steps in forming an Israeli company include selecting a unique, non-misleading company name, drafting detailed **Articles of Incorporation** (covering company goals, capital structure, liability limits, and governance), and filing declarations by directors and shareholders authenticated by attorneys[4][5]. Israel’s business environment supports various legal entities including partnerships and nonprofit organizations, with tailored tax and reporting requirements. Israeli companies must submit annual audited financial statements, ensuring transparency and accountability. Israel’s robust legal and regulatory framework makes it an attractive location for startups and established businesses
Saudi-led coalition
## Overview of the Saudi-led Coalition The **Saudi-led coalition** is a multinational military alliance formed in March 2015, spearheaded by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), in response to the ousting of Yemeni President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi by Houthi rebels[1][3]. The coalition’s core mission was to restore Hadi’s government, counter the advance of the Houthi movement (which it viewed as an Iranian proxy), and stabilize Yemen amid escalating civil war[1][2][3]. At its inception, the coalition included nine to ten Arab states and received logistical and intelligence support from the United States and other Western allies[1][3]. ## History and Operations The intervention began with **Operation Decisive Storm**, a massive air campaign targeting Houthi positions and Yemen’s military infrastructure, followed by a land, sea, and air blockade to enforce a UN arms embargo[1][3]. Ground forces, including Saudi, Emirati, and Sudanese troops, were later deployed to support Yemeni resistance fighters[1]. The coalition retook key cities like Aden and Mukalla, and trained southern Yemeni militias that later formed the Southern Transitional Council[1]. Despite these efforts, the conflict quickly became a protracted proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran, with devastating humanitarian consequences[3][7]. ## Key Achievements and Challenges The coalition’s most notable achievement was halting the Houthi-Saleh alliance’s territorial expansion, particularly their advance into southern Yemen[2]. However, the intervention failed to decisively defeat the Houthis or restore the Yemeni government’s authority over the entire country[2]. The war caused widespread destruction, thousands of civilian casualties, and one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, displacing millions and crippling Yemen’s infrastructure[7]. The coalition’s blockade and airstrikes drew international criticism for