Iranian-backed Houthi insurgents stormed UN World Food Programme (WFP) offices and UNICEF offices in the capital city of Yemen, Sanaa, taking at least 11 UN employees hostage. Israel had killed Houthi Prime Minister Ahmed al-Rahawi in an airstrike a day earlier. UN officials, including Secretary-General António Guterres, denounced the hostage-taking and called for the immediate release of all aid and UN workers. It is not known whether the raids directly resulted from Israel’s attack, though Houthis have attacked international organizations in the past. The UN is quickly seeking information and taking the security of its personnel seriously. Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu stated the al-Rahawi strike was only the first, stating more strikes against Houthi leaders for their missile attacks and Red Sea attacks will be forthcoming. Yemen is still split between the northern Houthi-held side and the internationally supported southern government since the outbreak of the civil war in 2014. The development sparks fears of an extensive regional war.
Pray for the immediate and unconditional release of all the kidnapped humanitarian workers in Yemen. Pray for divine protection upon all the humanitarian workers in the nation (The Holy Bible, Psalm 17:13).
Pray for the international authorities to take immediate action for the release and safe return of all the humanitarian workers in Yemen. Pray for justice to prevail for the victims (The Holy Bible, Deuteronomy 24:17).
News Source: The Guardian, CNN
Image Source: Canva
