News - Yemen: The Yemeni Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced the referral of what it terms the "UN Espionage Cell" case, involving staff from the World Food Programme (WFP) and UNICEF, to the judicial authorities, paving the way for legal rulings.

In a televised report, the Ministry disclosed that the case has been moved to the specialized judiciary, confirming that security agencies possess what they describe as "conclusive evidence" implicating the cell in activities threatening national security.

The Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdul Wahab Al-Durra, stated that the security measures taken were not an "arbitrary raid and detention" as portrayed by the United Nations, but were instead based on purely security-related reasons involving the "targeting of the government."

In exclusive remarks to Almasirah, Al-Durra emphasized that the primary reason for the detention was the involvement of a cell within the WFP in the "Israeli direct targeting of the Government." He further indicated that investigations had confirmed these cells' involvement in targeting high-level figures, including the "Martyr" Prime Minister.

The Acting Foreign Minister affirmed that all security procedures were carried out from the beginning under full judicial supervision and with the direct knowledge of the Public Prosecution. He clarified that the case file has been referred to the competent judicial authorities to issue rulings, noting that strong evidence proving the cell's involvement had been confirmed.

Al-Durra also revealed other violations by these organizations, stating that the committed crimes included the illicit and unauthorized entry of intelligence and espionage equipment into the country, constituting a breach of local laws.

In a related context, the Foreign Ministry affirmed its commitment to balancing the requirements of humanitarian work with the protection of national security.

The ministry directed a reassuring message to other UN and humanitarian organizations, indicating that the measures taken against the WFP do not apply to them, provided they adhere to the rules of humanitarian work and the UN charter.

Sana'a called on the United Nations to shoulder its responsibility and be held accountable for how it allowed "international intelligence agencies to infiltrate its organizations and programs" and for the illicit entry of espionage devices, stating that "the ball is now in the UN's court to address this malfunction."

The "UN Espionage Cell" case places the United Nations before a serious test of transparency and accountability, requiring it to clarify its position and rectify any gaps in its mechanisms, while ensuring the continuity of aid programs without compromising Yemeni national security.

Observers note that the success of this step in holding the accused accountable will be an indicator of the Yemeni state's ability to protect its sovereignty and national security without undermining the vital humanitarian work upon which millions of beneficiaries in the country rely.

Recently, a major intelligence breakthrough announced by Yemen’s leadership, revealing the dismantling of a sophisticated espionage network operating under the cover of UN-affiliated organizations such as UNICEF and the World Food Programme. According to official statements, the network was linked to American and Israeli intelligence services and equipped with advanced surveillance tools aimed at penetrating Yemen’s communication systems and state institutions.

The revelations have fueled public outrage and intensified calls for the United Nations to ensure neutrality and transparency within its agencies.