Today, Houthi rebels called for the dismantling of an “American-Israeli spy cell.” just days after they arrested around 12 employees of United Nations agencies.
In the supposed nucleus former employees of the US embassy in Yemen participated; according to a televised announcement by Abdel Hakim Al Khaiwani, head of the Houthi intelligence service.
“The US-Israeli spy cell has been spying on and sabotaging official and unofficial institutions for decades, for the enemy,” Al Khaiwani said.
“Members of the cell and American officials took advantage of their position at the American embassy to carry out acts of sabotage. After the US embassy left Sana’a (…) members of the cell continued to implement their espionage agenda under the cover of international organizations and UN agencies,” he added.
No comments
Israeli and American authorities declined to comment. The State Department did not immediately respond when asked for comment.
UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said efforts were being made to free the 11 workers employed by five different UN agencies and the UN special envoy for Yemen.
Armed Houthi intelligence officers also arrested three employees of the US-funded democracy promotion organization National Democratic Institute, as well as three employees of a local humanitarian organization.
The Houthi Al Masirah TV channel aired a series of videos purporting to show the confessions of some of the prisoners. Reuters was unable to verify the videos.
The Houthis dominate about 20 Yemeni workers at the US embassy in Sanaa for three years. The embassy ceased operations in 2014.
Source: AMPE