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| Arabia |
| Two UN contractors detained in Houthi-controlled Sanaa |
| 2015-11-02 |
| Two contractors working for the United Nations have been detained in Yemen, a UN spokesman said on Saturday, but he declined to confirm that the pair were Americans. "It concerns two contractors. I cannot confirm their nationalities," said UN spokesman Farhan Haq. Haq said officials from the UN department of safety and security were dealing with the matter. The US State Department said it was looking into reports that two US nationals were detained in Sanaa, which is under the control of the Houthi militia and its allies. "We are aware of reports that two US citizens have been detained at Sanaa airport in Yemen," a State Department official said. "The protection of US citizens overseas is one of the Department of State's highest priorities, including in these cases." The State Department declined to provide more details, citing privacy considerations. The United Nations is trying to organize peace talks between the Saudi-backed Yemeni government and Houthi militia, which are backed by forces loyal to former president Ali Abdullah Saleh. A Saudi-led coalition launched an air campaign in March to push back the Iran-backed Houthis and restore the authority of the government. The United Nations is increasingly alarmed at the heavy toll on civilians, with 80 percent of the population in dire need of aid. |
| Posted by:badanov |
| #1 "The protection of US citizens overseas is one of the Department of State's highest priorities, including in these cases." Need I add any comment? |
| Posted by: Pappy 2015-11-02 14:37 |