Mocha: The UN voiced grave concern Friday over the seizure by Yemen's Houthi group of a key humanitarian compound and its assets in the Red Sea port city of Mocha, warning that humanitarian personnel and facilities must be protected.

According to Anadolu Agency, UN deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq informed reporters that the compound houses staff of UN agencies working to provide humanitarian assistance to vulnerable communities in the area. Haq assured that all UN personnel working at the compound had vacated the premises before the seizure and were deemed safe and accounted for.

Haq emphasized the necessity for the protection and respect of humanitarian personnel, premises, and assets at all times. He called for safe and unobstructed humanitarian access to ensure that life-saving aid continues to reach those in need. Regarding the 73 UN and nongovernmental organization staff members detained in Yemen during an ongoing escalation, Haq expressed regret over the lack of positive developments but affirmed the UN's concern for their condition and reiterated calls for their release.

The UN Department of Safety and Security is actively monitoring the situation and plans to continually assess its operations and presence in Yemen, Haq stated, underscoring that the safety of UN personnel, including national staff, remains a priority for the organization. Additionally, UN humanitarian workers on the ground reported that civilians are continuing to flee the conflict, with approximately 18,000 households displaced since early September, according to Haq.