The World Health Organization has suspended its staff activity in certain areas throughout Houthi-controlled territory, Reuters reported on Sunday. Specifically, the WHO has suspended “all movements, meetings or any other activity” for staff in the key Red Sea port city of Hodeidah as well as the provinces of Saada and Ibb. Despite the staff restrictions, WHO operations throughout the country remain ongoing.
Why it matters: The WHO told Reuters that the new restrictions come in response to “credible threats and perceived risks, which could have an impact on staff security.” The nature of those threats is unclear. However, the Saudi-led coalition has accused the rebels of underreporting the number of novel coronavirus cases throughout the northern territory it controls, where most of the Yemeni population lives. To date, the Houthis have only recorded two infections and one death.
